As Gaza and Israel marks six months of deadly conflict, ActionAid UK calls for an end to the fighting and the release of hostages.
ActionAid UK said: “Six months on from the senseless and tragic killing of around 1,200 people in Israel on October 7, an estimated 134 hostages are still being held in Gaza, their whereabouts and wellbeing unknown. It is horrific to consider how terrified they must feel, and to think of the desperation and trauma their families and friends have experienced these last few months.
"Half a year on, more than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed, while the majority of the rest of the 2.2 million population has been displaced from their homes and are now living in overcrowded and unsanitary shelters or tents, struggling to access enough food and safe water to survive.
“One of the Israeli government’s key objectives in launching its military objective in Gaza was to free these hostages but, six months on, it is painfully apparent that this approach is not working. The best way forward to ensure the safe release of the hostages, as well as an end to the killing and suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, is a permanent and immediate ceasefire.
“This crisis has to end and we call on the UK Government to do everything in its power to achieve this aim, including using every diplomatic lever available, in particular, ceasing arms sales to Israel and implementing sanctions.”
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Contact the ActionAid press office on uk.media@actionaid.org or on 07753 973 486.