Humanity United welcomes the news of a ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas. The multiphase agreement will start on Sunday, January 19, 2025, and bring an end to more than 15 months of violence and devastation in Gaza.
The first phase of the agreement will result in the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons and allow for critical humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza. The second phase of the agreement includes the release of all remaining captives and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza territories, while future phases include long-term plans to rebuild Gaza with international intervention.
Although the initiation of a ceasefire comes with profound hope, the interim period between the announcement of the agreement and its implementation on Sunday has already been met with violence. At least 86 Palestinians in Gaza have already been killed in an Israeli strike since plans for a ceasefire were announced. Humanity United joins the international community in urging the Israeli government and the leadership of Hamas to uphold a ceasefire agreement and its terms to prevent any further loss of life and destruction. This agreement is long overdue, and further delay will only continue the genocide.
Beyond Gaza, Israel’s continued war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite a temporary ceasefire agreement, as well as military campaigns in Syria and the West Bank remain of concern and continue to pose a threat to peace and stability in the region.
Both the Biden and Trump administrations are taking credit for marshaling this deal, despite the United States providing Israel with weaponry and military aid. To advance peace and security, the U.S. government must maintain a steady commitment to international human rights law, uphold those principles in its foreign policy decisions, and firmly reject supporting states that violate those laws.
While we welcome this much overdue agreement, we acknowledge that it is only the beginning of a long process toward peace and justice for the people of Israel and Palestine. Accountability for the immense human rights violations and the blatant targeting of civilians, aid workers, and journalists must be part of the post-conflict discussion.