International aid agencies Tearfund and Christian Aid have welcomed the newly announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas but cautioned that without a long-term peace process, violence could soon return.
The ceasefire, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump and approved by Israel’s cabinet, will see Israeli Defense Forces withdraw to agreed positions and allow humanitarian aid to move more freely into Gaza.
The two-year conflict has left Gaza in ruins, with aid groups accusing Israel of restricting supplies as a tool of war. Vast areas have been destroyed, and parts of the territory are now facing famine. Estimates suggest more than 80,000 people have been killed, the majority of them civilians.
A key element of the agreement involves the return of hostages seized by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed thousands of civilians. In exchange, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners.
Safa Hijazeen, Tearfund’s regional director for the Middle East, said the ceasefire was welcome but must be followed by concrete action.
“Israel must allow unrestricted aid into Gaza, and the hostages must be freed,” Hijazeen said. “The international community must ensure both sides honor their commitments so this ceasefire leads to real peace. For millions who have lived under constant bombardment, a truce cannot just be a pause, it must pave the way for life to be restored.”
William Bell, Head of Middle East Policy and Advocacy at Christian Aid, echoed the call for a sustainable solution, warning that “returning to the old status quo will doom Palestinians and Israelis to more tragedy.”
The current war is the fifth major conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups in Gaza since 2008, and by far the deadliest.
Adapted from Christian Today UK.
