Humanity & Inclusion: Gaza’s Ceasefire Brings Hope After 24 Months of Relentless Suffering

GAZA, PALESTINE — Humanity & Inclusion welcomes the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, coming after 24 months of relentless bombardment, grave international humanitarian law violations, blockades on aid, but also nonstop work by humanitarian organizations to reach the most vulnerable.  

In 2 years, more than 69,000 Palestinians have been killed and close to 170,000 wounded, leaving thousands with life-long injuries and disabilities. The people in Gaza, including our colleagues, need time to rest and heal after surviving months of hell, marked with grief, repeated forced displacement, starvation, and lack of necessities. Our team continued to help the most vulnerable, primarily persons with disabilities, living through what the UN Commission of Inquiry has now concluded is a genocide. 

Following widespread destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure, we still have a long way to go to clear rubble contaminated with remnants of war and reconstruction, which must involve local partners, UN agencies, and international organizations.  

“This ceasefire offers a long-awaited moment of relief for the people of Gaza who have endured unimaginable suffering for two years. But the road to recovery will be long. Entire communities have been shattered — people have lost everything, thousands are living with serious injuries and permanent disabilities, and vast areas are contaminated with unexploded ordnance that continues to threaten lives every day,” said Hannah Guedenet, U.S. Executive Director for Humanity & Inclusion. "People with disabilities, who were already among the most vulnerable, now face even greater challenges in accessing safety, healthcare, and rehabilitation. Clearing these explosive remnants of war will be a long journey, but it is essential to make reconstruction and a safe return possible. Humanity & Inclusion team will continue to stand with the most affected, supporting them to heal, recover, and rebuild their futures with dignity.”

We need to ensure that all parties respect the ceasefire agreement, that all hostages are unconditionally released, that the entry of humanitarian aid is allowed, and that all humanitarian organizations can conduct their operations to respond to the immense needs. This must be a moment to bring a permanent end to the incessant suffering and violence endured by civilians in the oPt and by all civilians affected by this conflict for the past two years. 

Spokespersons are available for interview upon media request.