United Voices welcomes the reported temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as a step in the right direction but emphasizes the need for a permanent cessation of hostilities. While the pause in bombing raids and the return of Israeli and Palestinian women and children is welcomed, it is crucial to recognize that a few days of relief are not sufficient. The people affected deserve a lasting solution, achievable only through negotiations.

Continued bombing raids and the loss of civilian lives after a brief respite would be unduly cruel. The global outcry and widespread demands for peace highlight the urgency of a permanent ceasefire. The pressure exerted by Palestinian civil society, along with the collective voice of people around the world, has demonstrated the effectiveness of advocating for an end to the violence.

The Israeli government’s ongoing collective punishment and what appears to be a systematic targeting of Palestinians in Gaza cannot merely be halted temporarily; it demands an immediate cessation.

Israel has killed more than 14,000 Palestinians, including over 6,000 children. Thousands more Palestinians are expected to die from starvation and dehydration. The situation in Gaza could not be more urgent or more dire. It will take Gaza a decades to recover. The families of Israeli hostages have been waiting for a month and a half for their loved ones.

United Voices urges the U.S. government to use all its resources to prioritize a comprehensive and enduring ceasefire between Israel and Palestine to safeguard lives and pave the way for lasting peace. It is evident that a military solution is not sustainable, and the only path forward is through diplomatic negotiations that address the root causes of the conflict. A future marked by justice, freedom, and equality for all remains the imperative goal. To achieve a truly lasting peace, the occupation of Palestinian lands must end, and Palestinians and Israelis must be granted equal rights.