Statement | Urgent Appeal for Restraint and Adherence to International Humanitarian Law in the Conflict between Hamas and the government of Israel

We urge the parties to the conflict to de-escalate and reach a ceasefire as soon as possible. Each side’s use of heavy explosive weapons in populated areas should stop, as they have a systematic indiscriminate impact on civilians. Moreover, this conflict threatens access to essential services for hundreds of thousands of people, including shelter, water, electricity, and humanitarian assistance. It also impedes the ability of humanitarian aid agencies to respond adequately and quickly to the vast and growing needs of civilians. 

Any use of force by all parties involved in the conduct of hostilities must conform to law enforcement standards, including precaution, proportionality, and necessity, aligning with principles derived from human rights law.

The current situation has inflicted immense suffering and loss on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides. We stress the importance of prioritizing the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure. A long-lasting ceasefire is the only way to prevent further deaths, injuries, and human suffering.

About Humanity & Inclusion

Humanity & Inclusion is an independent international aid organization. It has been working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster for 41 years. Working alongside people with disabilities and other groups experiencing situations of extreme vulnerability, our action and testimony focus on responding to their essential needs, improving their living conditions and promoting respect for their dignity and basic rights. Since it was founded in 1982, Humanity & Inclusion (formerly Handicap International) has set up development programs in more than 60 countries and intervenes in numerous emergencies. There are eight national associations within the network (Germany, Belgium, Canada, United States, France, Luxembourg, United Kingdom and Switzerland), working tirelessly to mobilize resources, co-manage projects and increase the impact of the organization’s principles and actions. Humanity & Inclusion is one of six founding organizations of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize, and winner of the 2011 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize. Humanity & Inclusion takes action and campaigns in places where “living in dignity” is no easy task.”