Statement from ChildFund Australia on the Gaza Ceasefire

ChildFund Australia welcomes the announcement that an initial ceasefire agreement has been reached for Gaza, which includes the release of Israeli hostages , some Palestinian detainees and an urgent increase in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. This announcement provides hope for a path to sustainable peace after 15 months of catastrophic violence during which more than 14,500 children are estimated to have lost their lives, and more than 90% of the population has been displaced. While this is a critical first step, the situation in the region remains highly fragile. A sustained and permanent ceasefire is the only way to protect civilians, enable full life-saving humanitarian access so urgently needed, and enable diplomatic solutions for a secure, sustainable peace. We therefore urge all parties and the global community to continue to pursue all diplomatic avenues to secure a lasting and permanent ceasefire, and accountability for children. This announcement comes at a time when famine has been deemed imminent, amidst exposure to harsh winter conditions, compounding the already dire situation for children. In this moment, our critical concern remains the safety, protection and well-being of children and young people, and their families, and preventing any further loss of life. Violence and conflict have exacted its toll, and at the same time, the restrictions on aid have created preventable harm to children from catastrophic hunger, from disease, from hypothermia, as well as from the destruction of health and education infrastructure and services. The scale of humanitarian need is tremendous, and every effort – big and small – must be made to ensure children and young people, along with their parents and carers, urgently receive lifesaving food, shelter, medical assistance, protection, and psychosocial support. ChildFund notes that the two laws aimed at ending the operation of UNRWA will shortly come into effect, despite the critical importance of the UN agency not only to all humanitarian operations in Gaza but also to stability in the Territories. The role of UNRWA must be safeguarded. ChildFund Australia remains in communication with our humanitarian partner, WeWorld, who are operating in Gaza and continues to: deliver water for consumption and domestic use; distribute water storage devices such as jerry cans and water tanks; construct new and rehabilitate existing latrines to ensure hygienic disposal of waste; distribute hygiene kits including menstruation management items; and collect and dispose of solid waste. ChildFund Australia continues to call for lasting peaceful solutions that are guided by international law and prioritises children's rights, to ensure an end to the protracted violence in the occupied Palestinian Territories. Quick Facts:

• More than 46,000 people have been killed including 14,500 children, with over 109,000 more injured (with estimates that the actual death toll could be 40% higher than reported)
• Approximately 17,000 children are unaccompanied or separated from their parents
• Approximately 22,500 children have suffered life-changing injuries requiring ongoing rehabilitation
• Around 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced and it is estimated that 69% of structures in Gaza have been destroyed.
• 660,000 girls and boys who should be in education, are living in the rubble