Open Call for an Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza and Israel

20 October 2023 – Plan International, with 500 organizations from 60 countries have signed this open letter on 20 October 2023.

We have witnessed truly tragic death and destruction in the Gaza Strip and Israel. Thousands of people have been killed, injured, displaced, and nearly 200 people are still being held hostage, including children and the elderly.

The incidents that have occurred have brought us to the brink of humanitarian disaster and the world can no longer wait to act. This is our shared responsibility.

On Sunday, 15 October, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory called on all parties involved in the conflict, and Member States with influence, to immediately agree to a humanitarian ceasefire.

Today, we unite our voices and call on all Heads of State, the UN Security Council, and all parties on the ground, to prioritize the protection of human life above all else. During this ceasefire, we call on all parties, without reservation, to:

1. Facilitate the delivery of life-saving aid, including food, medical supplies, fuel, and the return of electricity and internet to Gaza, in addition to safe routes for humanitarian and medical staff.
2. Free all civilians held hostage, especially children and the elderly.
3. Allow humanitarian convoys to reach UN facilities, schools, hospitals and health facilities in North Gaza and commit to protecting them along with civilians and staff inside at all times.
4. Stopping orders from the Israeli Government for civilians to leave North Gaza.
5. Allows patients in critical condition to be medically evacuated for emergency treatment.

The UN Security Council, the UN Secretary General, and all stakeholders and world leaders must take immediate action to ensure the ceasefire is enforced. This is the only option to prevent the loss of civilian lives and a humanitarian disaster. Anything less will forever be a stain on our collective conscience.

Civilians are not bargaining chips. Families need the opportunity to bury and mourn the death of their loved one. Violence against innocent civilians must stop.