Balkees Jarrah, acting Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch, has welcomed the ceasefire announcement as offering hopes of “desperately needed relief” for Palestinians in Gaza, as well as Israeli captives and Palestinian detainees.
“However, Palestinians in Gaza will continue to suffer and die so long as Israel maintains its unlawful blockade of the Gaza Strip,” Jarrah said.
She added that governments also should not wait for the US plan to come into effect before taking action to prevent further violations of Palestinian rights in both Gaza and the West Bank. That includes imposing an arms embargo on Israel and targeted sanctions against Israeli officials.
“Governments should also seek justice for the atrocities committed with impunity over the past two years, including the Hamas-led war crimes and crimes against humanity on October 7 and thereafter and Israeli authorities’ war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide in Gaza.”
Bd-pratidin English/TR
