Nov.

21, 2012

www.interaction.org

Contacts: Sue Pleming: 202.552.6561 or 202.341.3814 (Cell) or spleming@interaction.org Jeanne Paradis: 202.552.6535 or 202.297.1696 (Cell) or jparadis@interaction.org

Humanitarian NGOs urge all sides to heed Israel-Hamas ceasefire

WASHINGTON (Nov. 21, 2012) The U.S. NGO alliance InterAction urged both sides in the conflict between Israel and Gaza to abide by the terms of a ceasefire deal reached on Wednesday, pointing to the toll on human life already caused by the fighting. The deaths of civilians on both sides, including children, are mounting, and many more are wounded. People need urgent care and can only begin the difficult task of rebuilding their lives once the parties fully cease hostilities, said Samuel A. Worthington, president and CEO of InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S.-based international NGOs. Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that a ceasefire would come into effect at 2 pm EDT. Humanitarian NGOs pointed out that it is essential that all parties abide by international humanitarian law in order to avoid further loss of life, destruction of property and human suffering. The NGOs expressed concern that Senate Resolution 599 & House Resolution 813 neglected to address the impact of the conflict on the civilian population and the steps needed to minimize harm. It is imperative that all parties take concrete measures to avoid causing harm to civilian populations both in Israel and in Gaza, added Worthington. This means that each party must consistently distinguish between military targets and civilians. In densely populated areas such as these, every precaution must be taken to avoid civilian casualties and damage to civilian property and infrastructure. He concluded: The conflict has already created significant humanitarian needs, and we must work swiftly to save lives and alleviate suffering. People need access to emergency medical assistance, shelter and basic goods to help them cope with this crisis.

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InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based nongovernmental international organizations, with more than 190 members. Our members operate in every developing country, working with local communities to overcome poverty and suffering by helping to improve their quality of life. Visit www.interaction.org.
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