OTTAWA, November 22, 2023–CARE welcomes the announcement of a deal that includes the freeing of 50 civilian hostages, a four-day pause in the fighting, and the entry of critically needed humanitarian aid, medical supplies and fuel into Gaza.
“The deal provides hope which, after 46 days of conflict, is so desperately needed for the over 2 million women, men and children of Gaza. We hope that this pause leads to a sustained ceasefire,” said Hiba Tibi, CARE West Bank and Gaza Country Director.
“I am especially hopeful about the news that hundreds of aid trucks will be allowed into Gaza. This is a critical opportunity for safe and sustained aid to reach Palestinian families, at a scale commensurate with the skyrocketing needs following the utter decimation of critical infrastructure and life support. Food, water, fuel, medical supplies and services are needed now at scale to prevent further loss of life. Critically, a restoration of power is urgently required. The people of Gaza need to get clean water running, to get bakeries operational, and importantly get hospital generators powered up to meet the immense needs of those that rely on them, including for the premature babies, the injured and critically ill,” added Ms Tibi.
CARE urges all parties to facilitate the safe distribution of aid throughout the whole of the Gaza Strip. It calls for rapid, safe, unhindered, and sustained humanitarian access; the release of all hostages; respect for international humanitarian law which mandates the protection of civilians, including humanitarian and medical workers, and civilian objects such as hospitals; and a lasting ceasefire.
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About CARE Canada:
Founded in 1945 with the creation of the CARE Package℠, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization working around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice. CARE puts women and girls at the centre of our work because we know we cannot overcome poverty until all people have equal rights and opportunities. CARE develops solutions alongside women and girls to lift themselves, their families, and communities out of poverty and out of crisis. CARE works in over 100 countries around the world.
To learn more about CARE Canada, visit care.ca.