Jim Clarken, CEO of Oxfam Ireland, welcomed the announcement and emphasised the need for a permanent ceasefire and urgent influx of critical aid amidst this apocalyptic nightmare.
"This is undoubtedly positive news for the people of Gaza and Israel though it is shameful it has taken over 16 months and over 40,000 deaths to get to this point.
"I hope and trust the Irish government will continue to champion the cause of the Palestinian people and lead the reconstruction project.
"We are glad to see the new government is to proceed with the planned Occupied Territories Bill.
This ceasefire does not negate decades of illegal occupation and Ireland is right to refuse to support or legitimise such illegal acts by any state.
The ceasefire brokered today, which must remain permanent, offers a glimmer of hope amid one of the darkest chapters in recent history for the people of Gaza. While it must be welcomed, it must come with the realisation that this is just the beginning. Welcome as this ceasefire is, it is just another chapter in a longer-running conflict which will ultimately need a political solution.
"The immediate priorities must include the full and unconditional opening of Gaza’s borders to ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid, the release of all hostages, and a halt to the illegal blockade that has suffocated the region for over 17 years. But this alone is not enough. A ceasefire is merely a pause; it will mean nothing without a firm commitment to justice for the victims, and a political solution that ends the occupation and systemic discrimination faced by Palestinians. Reconstruction and time to grieve is essential.”
— Jim Clarken, Oxfam Ireland CEO
END
For more information, contact:
Clare Cronin, Head of Communications – Oxfam Ireland clare.cronin@oxfam.org +353 (0) 87 195 2551
"This is undoubtedly positive news for the people of Gaza and Israel though it is shameful it has taken over 16 months and over 40,000 deaths to get to this point.
