22 November 2023
Caabu welcomes the agreement for a truce and release of hostages and prisoners. Whilst this is positive, this deal must be treated as a basis for a longer-term arrangement that sees the release of all hostages held in Gaza and a proper ceasefire, not just a four-day truce. The international community must make every effort to build on this so that the colossal and unprecedented bombardment of Palestinian civilians in Gaza does not resume.
In a deal brokered by Qatar, 50 hostages will be released, and Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners. There will be a four-day truce. Israel will permit limited amounts of aid including fuel to cross the Egypt-Gaza crossing at Rafah.
Four days is insufficient to address the humanitarian catastrophe inside Gaza. Disease is spreading. Over 75% of hospitals are not functioning. Israel’s total siege has deprived Palestinian civilians of all the basic necessities for survival, such as water, food, fuel and medicines. Israel’s bombardment has also smashed vital civilian infrastructure, including bakeries, hospitals, schools, and water pumping stations- all necessary for survival.
A proper ceasefire must still be the aim. This must procure the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, full humanitarian access and a political process for a different future for Palestinians in Gaza.
Commenting in the media, Caabu Director Chris Doyle was clear: “This is the moment for massive diplomatic surge. After so many thousands have been killed, so many lives crushed, international leaders must now make up for an abject failure over the last 46 days to end the carnage by transforming a pause into a long-term arrangement that can be the platform for peace and prosperity for both peoples.”
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Notes to editors:
- For more information or interviews contact Chris Doyle on +44 (0)7968 040281
