Reacting to the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, Oxfam America’s President & CEO Abby Maxman said:
“We welcome the announcement of the first stage of a ceasefire deal in Gaza by all parties and the release of Israeli hostages and unlawfully detained Palestinians. While some families will be able to once again embrace their long-missing loved ones, we mourn for those who will never again be able to. After two years of such loss and destruction, we need a deal that will save lives and bring an end to this horrific war.
“This fragile ceasefire must also be the beginning of a sustained and principled effort that leads to ending Israel’s unlawful occupation and blockade. It must be focused on restoring rights and rebuilding lives. Any political or reconstruction plan must not entrench the occupation or further undermine Palestinian sovereignty.
“The path forward must be Palestinian-led and rooted in the fulfilment of fundamental rights. Negotiations on Gaza’s future must go beyond bricks and mortar – they must restore the foundations of daily life, rebuild shattered communities and offer pathways to healing and hope. This must go hand-in-hand with Palestinian self-determination, with Palestinians leading the rebuilding and governance of Gaza, and shaping their own future across all occupied territory.
“The ceasefire must immediately unlock full and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, supported by the international community ensuring that a sustainable ceasefire is upheld. The international community must also ensure that Israel opens all crossings and allows aid and commercial goods to flow freely and safely at scale into every corner of the Strip. Humanitarian efforts must be UN-led and principled.
“A ceasefire marks only the beginning. It stops the killing and must pave the way for the next phase: preparing the ground for a sustainable peace and genuine reconciliation. This process cannot succeed without justice and accountability at its core for all Palestinians and Israelis, to prevent impunity and ensure the cycle of violence is not repeated.
“This moment must mark a shift toward an authentic, inclusive process grounded in human rights, equality, and dignity for all. As a driver of this deal, President Trump must do all in his administration’s power to ensure this plan proceeds to create a peaceful future for all Palestinians and Israelis. He and all world leaders must ensure that this ceasefire is upheld by all parties, that those who committed war crimes are investigated and prosecuted and the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination is upheld.”
/ENDS