A day of hope for Gaza and potential to end over two million people being systematically deprived of essentials to live.

In unison with the humanitarian aid community across the world, GOAL warmly acknowledges the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal which takes effect today. This long overdue deal and critical milestone sparks hope and opportunity for Palestinians, that 15 months of relentless violence, death, destruction, and unimaginable human suffering, including starvation, will start to dissipate and that life-saving aid in the quantities needed, can be surged, and sustained for Palestinian civilians.

Speaking today about the official commencement of the ceasefire, Colin Lee, GOAL’s Director of Progs and Operations said,

‘We salute the ceasefire mediators for their perseverance in brokering this deal and we call on all parties to ensure that the deal is fully implemented across the three agreed phases, including the hostage and prisoner release starting today, the withdrawal of forces from the occupied territory and the reconstruction of this devastated country, in tandem with rapid, unhindered, and safe humanitarian relief for all civilians in need. But the long-term challenges for the international humanitarian aid community are monumental amid a displaced population suffering from extreme toxic stress, generational trauma, an obliterated infrastructure and entirely collapsed civil law and order.”

“GOAL is also proud of the long record of support that Ireland has shown, for a lasting peace in the Middle East based on a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side dignity, peace and security. This is in line with international law and UN Security Council resolutions. Therefore, as this ceasefire comes into effect, previous agreements remain an urgent priority” continued Colin Lee.

Also speaking about the ceasefire taking effect today, Tareq Emtairah, Director General of the Taawon Welfare Association, which is GOAL’s aid delivery partner in Gaza said,

“The ceasefire is a critical first step, and long overdue. A colossal suffering has been inflicted on the Palestinian people of Gaza, who have taught the world a lesson in steadfastness in the face of enormous adversity, while the rest of us have not done enough in these 15 months to support them. We need to do better in this next phase. Palestinians will need immediate and long-term support to rebuild their homes, lives, and mental health. And UN leadership relentlessly striving for lasting peace, justice, and stability for both Palestinians and Israelis will be crucial.”

Since 7^th Oct 2023 (the day that the terrorist organisation, Hamas, launched its attack on Israel and 1,139 people were killed) the extent of the suffering in Gaza has known no boundaries and the numbers are staggering.

• 46,707 Palestinians have been killed including 18,000 children.
• The death toll means that one out of every 50 people has been killed in Gaza.
• At least 110,265 people have been injured in Gaza because of the war which equates to one in 20 people.
• An estimated 22,500 people, have life-altering injuries that require but are not receiving rehabilitation.
• Gaza hospitals have recorded 4,500 amputations since the start of the war and it is estimated that 810 of these are children, who have lost one or more limbs.
• 2.2 million people in Gaza are currently experiencing acute food insecurity.
• Nearly 1.9 million people in Gaza are internally displaced, (95% of the population) of which nearly 80 percent are living in makeshift shelters set up in former schools, bombed-out houses and cemeteries, without adequate clothing or shelter from bitter Winter temperatures and nearly half a million are in flood-prone areas.