Human Lives Human Rights: A coalition of 16 leading humanitarian and human rights organizations has issued a fervent call to all United Nations Member States to immediately halt arms transfers to Israel and Palestinian armed groups. This appeal aims to stave off further escalation of the crisis in Gaza, preventing additional civilian casualties and humanitarian suffering.
The ongoing bombardment and siege imposed by Israel have plunged Gaza into an unparalleled humanitarian crisis, depriving civilians of essential resources and rendering the region uninhabitable. Furthermore, attacks orchestrated by Palestinian armed groups have resulted in significant loss of life, including children, and continue to endanger civilian populations through indiscriminate rocket fire towards Israeli population centers.
Such actions blatantly violate international humanitarian law and must cease immediately. Despite calls for a ceasefire from humanitarian agencies, human rights groups, and more than 153 member states, Israeli military operations persist, inflicting unprecedented levels of civilian casualties. The destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure exacerbates the suffering of Gaza’s population, with thousands killed or injured, and countless displaced.
The dire situation in Gaza demands urgent intervention to alleviate humanitarian suffering and uphold human rights. It is imperative for all states to refrain from contributing to the violence by halting arms transfers and ensuring accountability for atrocities committed. The United Nations Security Council bears a responsibility to intervene decisively, adopting measures to halt arms transfers and prevent the supply of weapons that could be used to perpetrate international crimes.
The undersigned organizations stress the urgent need for a ceasefire and reiterate the call to halt arms transfers to all parties involved. The international community must fulfill its obligations to prevent atrocities and safeguard civilian lives, paving the way for lasting peace and stability in the region.
Undersigned Organizations:
- Federation Handicap International – Humanity & Inclusion
- War Child Alliance
- Christian Aid
- Norwegian People’s Aid
- Médecins du Monde International Network
- Mennonite Central Committee
- medico international
- Oxfam
- Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)
- Danish Refugee Council
- Save the Children
- Plan International
- Norwegian Refugee Council
- Diakonia
- Amnesty International
- American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
