Safa Hijazeen, Tearfund’s Regional Director for the Middle East, said:
“The ceasefire is a welcome first step and will bring desperately needed respite for the people of Gaza but it must lead to a lasting peace that allows all people in the region to live in safety. Families will be mourning their dead today even as they breathe a sigh of relief that the relentless bombardment will stop. The international community has a responsibility to ensure that the ceasefire holds and that urgent, sustained humanitarian access into Gaza is allowed.
“The prospect of a ceasefire is a moment for celebration for the people of Gaza, as well as for the families of the hostages that will be released. But it comes after 15 months of devastating conflict and the death of more than 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Over 1.9 million people in Gaza have been displaced from their homes and are now facing the harshness of winter with desperately inadequate shelter and provisions.
“We continue to pray and work for a peaceful future with a sustained, region-wide ceasefire, which will be essential for lasting peace, healing, and the flourishing of communities.”
Tearfund is working through its partners in both Gaza and the West Bank to deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid, medical support and education to help individuals and families recover and rediscover hope.
Safa Hijazeen said: “At Tearfund, together with our partners, churches and other aid agencies, we are committed to acting with compassion and providing practical support to those affected by this conflict. We must have sustained and safe humanitarian access in Gaza, as well as safe passage for civilians, so that life-saving aid can consistently reach the most vulnerable.
To donate to Tearfund’s Middle East Emergency Appeal, supporting humanitarian needs in Gaza and Lebanon, please visit:Tearfund.org/MiddleEast
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For further information or interview requests: email Maddie Gordon at media@tearfund.org. For urgent out of hours media enquiries please call 07929 339813.
Notes to editors:
- To donate to Tearfund’s Middle East Emergency Appeal, supporting humanitarian needs in Gaza and Lebanon, please visit:Tearfund.org/MiddleEast
- Tearfund is a Christian charity that partners with churches in more than 50 of the world’s poorest countries. We tackle poverty through sustainable development, responding to disasters and challenging injustice. We believe an end to extreme poverty is possible. Tearfund is also a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee. For more information about the work of Tearfund, please visitwww.tearfund.org.