Today’s news that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire deal is a significant but long-overdue step, after two years of relentless atrocities. In what a UN expert panel determined amounts to genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.  

But the big test will be what happens next.

There must be no more false dawns and broken promises. World leaders must now ensure there is a permanent end to Israel’s systematic attacks, displacement, and starvation of civilians. All restrictions on humanitarian access must be immediately lifted so that desperately needed aid can reach people in Gaza. Any agreement must not further entrench Israeli control over Gaza.  

There can be no sustainable peace without justice and accountability, an end to impunity, and respect for international law. We need security, rights, and dignity for all people, and this will only be possible when there is an end to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine.  

The most urgent need right now is to get aid into Gaza. There is no time to waste, as children are starving to death every day in a man-made famine and homes, hospitals, schools, and other essential services are now rubble. Today’s announcement alone does not stop the famine. Islamic Relief is ready to massively scale up our current lifesaving aid and help reconstruction efforts as soon as restrictions on humanitarian access are lifted. 

The international community must ensure that new commitments are adhered to and hold parties accountable for any violations. A repeat of the last ceasefire – when Israel resumed its bombing and cut off all humanitarian aid after only a few weeks of respite – must not be tolerated. Israel must also not be allowed to use this opportunity to escalate its attacks and violations of the rights of Palestinians in the West Bank. The world must act now to safeguard this moment and pursue a credible pathway to lasting peace.