Project HOPE Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire, Calls for Unimpeded Humanitarian Access

Project HOPE welcomes the ceasefire announced Thursday between Israel and the Palestinian armed groups, and calls for immediate, full and unhindered access of humanitarian aid to Gaza as needed to provide critical relief and support reconstruction efforts. 

Chris Skopec, Executive Vice President at Project HOPE: 

“The ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian armed groups is an important first step, and the opening of crossing points to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza must be a priority.

“As humanitarians, we have seen this violence happening repeatedly with civilians paying a heavy price on both sides. We strongly condemn all violence against civilians. Both, Palestinians and Israelis, have the right to live in safety and dignity. Their lives are sacred and must be protected.

“We know from experience that even when the bombs stop, civilians continue to suffer; they barely have time to recover from previous cycles of violence, then a new one begins. More than 70,000 Palestinians have been displaced after fleeing the latest bombardment, and thousands of homes were completely destroyed. Besides, more than 20 health facilities were damaged, and the only COVID-19 test lab was severely damaged, which resulted in the halting of all testing and COVID-19 services. As Gaza faces its third COVID-19 wave, this could lead to a public health disaster.

“Hospitals and health care facilities are now in dire need of medication, trauma supplies, and personal protective equipment. The entry of humanitarian aid and personnel, as well as fuel, into Gaza must be guaranteed without delay and impediment.

“The bloodshed has ended for now, but the world must come together to make sure it does not happen again.”

Project HOPE is supporting MedGlobal’s relief efforts in Gaza to distribute emergency medicines, medical supplies and equipment to health facilities and distribute hygiene kits to displaced families. 

About Project HOPE
Founded in 1958, Project HOPE is a global health and humanitarian organization operating in more than 25 countries around the world. We work side-by-side with local health systems to save lives and improve health. Our mission is at the epicenter of today’s greatest health challenges, including infectious and chronic diseases, disasters and health crises, maternal, neonatal and child health and the policies that impact how health care is delivered. For more information on Project HOPE and its work around the world, visit www.ProjectHOPE.org and follow us on Twitter @ProjectHOPEOrg. 

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