Israel-Hamas conflict: Amnesty International SA welcomes ceasefire
The agreement, which is set to commence on Sunday, comes after 15 months of violence that has devastated the Gaza Strip.
A Palestinian man wait for news of his daughter as rescue workers search for survivors under the rubble of a building hit in an overnight Israeli bombing in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on 21 April 2024. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Amnesty International South Africa has welcomed a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas and says it's overdue.
The agreement, which is set to commence on Sunday, comes after 15 months of violence that has devastated the Gaza Strip.
Israel has been accused of committing genocide in Gaza and more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed.
On 7 October 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israeli soil, killing at least 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage.
Amnesty International SA's executive director, Shenilla Mohamed, said the truce offers some relief to Palestinians who have lost loved ones, homes and access to basic supplies.
READ: SA welcomes ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas
"For Palestinians, who have endured more than 15 months of devastating and relentless bombardment, have been displaced from their homes repeatedly, and are struggling to survive in makeshift tents without food, water and basic supplies, the nightmare will not be over even if the bombs cease."
She said that they are also calling for the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, warning that the suffering will continue unless Israel’s blockade is lifted and long-term solutions are found.
"They must also urgently grant access to independent human rights monitors in Gaza to uncover evidence and reveal the extent of violations. For Palestinians who have lost so much, there is little to celebrate when there is no guarantee that they will get justice and reparation for the horrifying crimes they have suffered," Mohamed said.