Our organization, Cultural Diversity and Sustainable Development for Peace is deeply concerned about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the attacks on Gaza, and the human rights violations against the people. CD4Peace reaffirms its commitment to the principles of human rights, and we believe peace can only be achieved through dialogue, negotiation, and respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals involved.

We have been keeping up to date with the latest developments, and we extend our condolences and sympathies to all those affected. The official statement released by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in October 2023 regarding the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel highlights the urgent need for a peaceful conflict resolution. The reports of violence, displacement, and human rights violations are deeply distressing. According to the ICSPR report from 3rd November 2023, the 28-day Israeli war has recorded over 9,000 casualties, with over 2,000 being children – and more than 18,000 suffering from injuries. There is a distressing lack of medical supplies, and there is no doubt that a humanitarian crisis is currently unfolding. Without the immediate entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza – especially health services, medical supplies, food, clean water, fuel, and non-food items – humanitarian and health partners will be unable to respond to the urgent needs of people who desperately need it.

CD4Peace also expresses its profound concern for the absence of proportionality in the application of force in this crisis. We acknowledge that all parties have the right to self-defense as specified in Article 51 of the UN Charter. However, all stakeholders and actors must respect the guiding principle of proportionality, ensuring that the response is deemed equivalent to the threat posed. The suffering caused by ignoring this proportionality is being witnessed and felt globally. We condemn the lack of political will demonstrated by the international community. States should be reminded to exercise restraint and abide by their international legal obligations, specifically with regard to the fourth Geneva Convention, which awards protection to civilians, including those in occupied territories.

We call for an immediate ceasefire to ensure that humanitarian aid can be administered before any further violations occur.