Plan International and 500 Organizations Call for Gaza Ceasefire

Plan International and more than 500 organizations representing 60 countries have issued an urgent call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel. The joint open letter, signed on October 20, 2023, highlights the severe humanitarian crisis and loss of civilian life unfolding in the region.

The organizations expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, noting thousands killed and injured, and nearly 200 held hostage. They cited United Nations warnings about dwindling supplies of water, food, fuel, and medical aid in Gaza due to the siege, with particular concern for children facing dehydration.

"The events of the last week have led us to the precipice of a humanitarian catastrophe, and the world can no longer wait to act," the letter states. The signatories are urging global leaders and the UN Security Council to prioritize the preservation of human life and ensure the unimpeded delivery of essential humanitarian assistance.

Key demands include facilitating life-saving aid, releasing all civilian hostages, protecting civilian infrastructure like hospitals, rescinding evacuation orders for civilians in Gaza, and allowing medical evacuations. The coalition stated that a ceasefire is the only viable option to prevent further civilian casualties and a wider humanitarian disaster.