1 November 2023

Earier this week the H&ERGP issued the following press release:

We call for immediate and unconditional release of hostages held by both Israel and Hamas.

The civilians in Gaza must be protected. We are deeply concerned at the civilian casualties from Israel’s military action, the imposition of a blockade for food, water and fuel, and the forced displacement of the civilian population. All parties, including Israel, are obliged to adhere to international humanitarian law and the laws of war. These actions are in clear breach of those rules.

The only way to prevent further mass civilian casualties and mass suffering is for the fighting to stop. We join international calls for an immediate ceasefire. At the same time there must be immediate access for humanitarian assistance to the civilian population and the resumption of water, fuel and food supplies.

The only one way to secure peace between Israel and the Palestinians is for a just political settlement based on the end of occupation of the Palestinian territories.

END