Gaza: Ceasefire Warrants Celebration, Humanitarian Aid is Urgently Needed
Project HOPE welcomes today’s ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas which includes the release of hostages, Palestinian captives, and withdrawal of military activity in parts of Gaza. This agreement sets a path to free all hostages and end the war. As the ceasefire takes effect, Project HOPE reiterates its call for an immediate end to restrictions on humanitarian aid and safe access to adequate health services for the 1.9 million civilians living in Gaza.
Rabih Torbay, Project HOPE’s CEO and President, said:
“Today’s ceasefire agreement represents a moment of hope for people on both sides of the Gaza and Israel conflict, including the hostages and their loved ones and nearly two million people living in Gaza who have endured 15 months of relentless suffering and heartache. Any sign of peace is a moment to celebrate. Nearly all of the two million Palestinians in Gaza are homeless, injured, traumatized, and on the brink of famine-like conditions. At our six primary health clinics throughout Gaza, we continue to see patients – including pregnant women and children – who are malnourished, fighting severe respiratory illnesses and infectious diseases, in addition to mental health trauma from over a year of abominable conditions.
Even with a break in violence, we know people will continue to die from preventable causes unless there is a significant reduction in humanitarian aid restrictions, an increase in humanitarian access to all areas of Gaza, and a surge of humanitarian assistance, including specialty health workers to address the array of medical needs. For now, we celebrate this incredible turning point but know that it will be years before communities can adequately rebuild and recover.”
Project HOPE has responded to the vast health needs in Gaza since December 2023, including operating multiple health clinics in Gaza and providing vital health services including primary care, maternal health, and specialty surgical and emergency care. The organization has deployed midwives across north and south Gaza to deliver critical maternal care, particularly in high conflict areas and at Al Sahaba Maternity Hospital and provided psychosocial support and gender-based violence awareness activities at camps housing displaced families. Additionally, Project HOPE has established a supply chain that has delivered over 21,000 pounds of medical supplies to Gaza, while providing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) support for shelters and clinics.
