Gaza City: Amnesty International's Secretary General, Agn¨s Callamard, expressed that while the news of a ceasefire deal in Gaza may bring a glimmer of relief to Palestinian victims of what she described as Israel's genocide, it remains "bitterly overdue." For over 15 months, Palestinians have endured relentless bombardment and displacement, struggling to survive with limited access to essential resources.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Callamard highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians, emphasizing that the cessation of fighting does not address the extensive losses and trauma experienced by those who have lost family members or homes. Despite the ceasefire, the damage to lives and communities persists.
Callamard stressed the urgency of addressing the humanitarian needs in Gaza, where Israel's blockade has led to unprecedented hunger and inadequate access to medical care. She urged the international community to ensure that Israel permits the flow of necessary aid and medical supplies to Gaza, alongside facilitating repairs to critical infrastructure. Additionally, she called for the lifting of the blockade and access for independent human rights monitors to assess the situation and document violations.