Christian Aid appeals for immediate ceasefire in Middle East

Source: Christian Aid, ICN

Christian Aid has appealed for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East to protect civilian life, and called for international humanitarian law to be upheld across the region.

Thousands have been displaced in Lebanon. Israel has closed the borders to Gaza preventing food, medicines and aid workers from entering, and desperately ill patients from leaving. Illegal settlers are terrorising community in the West Bank with impunity.

William Bell, Christian Aid's Head of Middle East Policy and Advocacy, said: "The UK Government must work urgently to bring this war to an immediate end before mounting humanitarian suffering across the region escalates into a global crisis with no clear end in sight.

"With most of Gaza's borders closed, families are in real danger of running out of food. The widespread displacement across Lebanon means our partners are rapidly assessing how best to support communities, while in the West Bank settler violence against Palestinians continues.

"As ever, it is innocent civilians who are paying the price for decades of impunity and international political failure in the Middle East. In these dangerous times for the entire world, the UK Government must demonstrate leadership and moral courage."