Statement on the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

We, the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC), a global network of civil society organisations dedicated to conflict prevention and peacebuilding, and the Middle East and North Africa Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (MENAPPAC), express our heartfelt solidarity with all victims and those affected by the Israel-Hamas war.

We express profound sorrow over the increasing number of casualties affecting the communities in the occupied Palestinian Territories, Israel, and the region. As advocates for nonviolence and peaceful resolution of conflict, we wholeheartedly condemn all acts of aggression and violence against civilians by any party.

Israel's actions in cutting access to water, electricity, fuel and food in Gaza are deeply concerning and exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation for innocent civilians. Denying fundamental necessities to a population already struggling under harsh conditions, even prior to this conflict, can amount to war crimes. 

We firmly believe that military security and violence only lead to more violence, ultimately undermining human security, development, and prospects of peaceful coexistence among nations and communities.

Therefore, we call upon the international community, including the United Nations and the top donors committed to supporting peacebuilding, to immediately engage in negotiations to prevent further suffering and end the unspeakable and inhumane conditions that have led to this war, including the ongoing occupation. True peace can only be achieved through reciprocal respect for human rights and dignity. The current situation also has the risk of further escalation regionally and global impact. We urgently demand:

• An immediate ceasefire and an end to all acts of aggression.
• All actors to ensure the establishment of “humanitarian access” for the safe delivery of essential aid to those caught in the conflict.
• Facilitation of active and inclusive dialogue among all parties involved.
• Termination of all military aid to the warring parties without freezing peacebuilding, humanitarian and development support to local actors in the region.
• Immediate redirection of resources toward unarmed civilian protection and peacebuilding efforts to save lives and pave the way for just and lasting peace and security for all in the region.
• Strict adherence to international humanitarian and human rights laws.

The majority of people in the region aspire to live in peace without fear. A just and peaceful solution is still attainable and must be pursued. We implore the international community to assume its responsibility not only in providing humanitarian aid but also in negotiating a long-term, just and lasting resolution to this long-standing occupation and, critically, in preventing further loss of life.