As Gaza endures its second winter under bombs, this agreement brings a glimmer of hope and relief for our teams on the ground, for the entire civilian population, as well as for the hostages, prisoners, and their families. However, this announcement remains fragile, subject to numerous steps and conditions. Caution is therefore essential to ensure the effective implementation of this agreement and prevent a return to violence.
The agreement must now be accompanied without delay by the lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip to meet the urgent needs of the 1.9 million displaced civilians who are surviving in inhumane conditions.
The reconstruction of Gaza, particularly its health system, systematically targeted and destroyed by the Israeli army, must be a priority. Israel, as the occupying power, and the international community must enable the urgent rehabilitation of hospitals and health centers. Our teams stand ready to support and contribute to this essential reconstruction effort, alongside local and international actors.
“This agreement is a crucial first step, but the disastrous humanitarian situation faced by Palestinians for over a year demands much more than a temporary truce. The civilian population urgently and immediately needs massive and coordinated humanitarian aid. As a humanitarian medical organization, we see the devastating consequences of this conflict on the physical and mental health of Palestinians. A permanent ceasefire is not an option; it is an absolute necessity to allow us to respond to the vital needs of Palestinians who are constantly displaced, deprived of health care, food, and water,” states Nadja Pollaert, Executive Director of Doctors of the World Canada.
Press Contact
Mélissa Cabana, Director of Communications
Doctors of the World Canada
melissa.cabana@medecinsdumonde.ca
514-799-8985
Photo: AP Photo / Fatima Shbair