2023-12-01 22:33:17
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In response to Israel’s renewed attacks on the occupied Gaza Strip and rocket fire into southern Israel by armed groups following the end of a seven-day truce, Erika Guevara Rosas, representative of Amnesty International, said :
“We urgently reiterate our call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire by all parties to the conflict. If there is no cessation of hostilities, the appalling death toll will multiply and the civilian population of Gaza will once again have to endure the unimaginable horror of the past few weeks, with no safe place to go, no shelter of any kind and no humanitarian aid. Hostages still held by Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza are at even greater risk. Israel’s civilian population is also at risk of harm from indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza. We have to stop all this.
“World leaders must immediately put greater pressure on the warring parties to reach an immediate and lasting ceasefire. The ceasefire is the best way to ensure that the entire civilian population of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is protected and to alleviate massive human suffering in Gaza. And even without a ceasefire, Israel and Hamas must protect civilians while fully respecting the rules of international humanitarian law.
“While the release of 113 Israeli and other hostages and 240 Palestinian detainees and prisoners is a relief for their families and loved ones, more must be done. Armed groups must release all civilian hostages. For their part, the Israeli authorities must release all Palestinians arbitrarily detained.”
“All States must honor their obligation to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, including by demanding unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians throughout Gaza, ending arms transfers used by all parties to commit violations, and supporting the impartial investigation of war crimes committed by all parties.”
More than 15,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza, including 6,000 children, and thousands more have been injured since the start of the war in October, following attacks by Hamas and other armed groups in Israel. More than 1,200 people were killed during horrific attacks by Hamas and other armed groups in Israel, and more than 200 were taken hostage.
During the truce, 113 Israelis and other nationalities who were held hostage in Gaza were released; Likewise, 240 Palestinian prisoners and detainees were released.
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