Joint Statement: A Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon Must Pave the Way for a Permanent Regional Ceasefire

We, the undersigned organizations, welcome the announcement of the conditional ceasefire in Lebanon, initiated on November 27, 2024, which provides a brief but crucial respite to a region long at the mercy of escalating violence. However, this fragile conditional ceasefire highlights the urgent need for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza to prevent further destabilization across the region.

The fragile peace is tenuous at best, and the risk of further flare-ups remains high. The ongoing crisis in Palestine, especially in Gaza, has caused devastating ripple effects, with continuous violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law by Israel, along with actions by other armed groups, contributing to the region’s instability.

As we have seen in the past, a conditional ceasefire in Lebanon rather than an end to the conflict might merely be a temporary pause. While the ceasefire in Lebanon offers a moment of hope, it cannot be seen in isolation. Israel’s onslaught on the Gaza Strip continues to rage with devastating consequences, and the conditions there are inhumane.

We call on all parties involved to demonstrate restraint and uphold the ceasefire in Lebanon while urgently addressing the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and stopping arms transfers to Israel in accordance with the ICJ advisory opinion. The people in Palestine, Lebanon, Israel, and the larger region deserve peace, stability, and security. Their futures should not be defined by endless cycles of violence and retaliation.

Signed by:

Humanity & Inclusion/Handicap International (HI)
ICVA
INTERSOS
Médecins du Monde Switzerland
Oxfam
Plan International
WeWorld