GAZA: MEDECINS DU MONDE NETWORK CALLS FOR A PERMANENT CEASEFIRE FOR LASTING PEACE

A ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza has just been announced. Médecins du Monde International Network welcomes this development after two years of war and genocide. However, Médecins du Monde International Network calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, an essential condition for the massive delivery of humanitarian aid and the establishment of lasting peace. 

After two years of genocidal war, months of blockade, and famine, this agreement brings a glimmer of hope for the population of Gaza, as well as for the hostages and their families. However, we know this agreement is fragile. Twice since October 2023, the hope for peace has emerged, only to be replaced each time by renewed violence against Gaza’s civilian population and a total blockade pushing Gazans toward famine. This is why Médecins du Monde International Network calls for a permanent ceasefire. Respect for the terms of the agreement by all parties, including the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, is the only way to envision lasting peace. 

The priority now, to relieve the suffering of Gaza’s population, must be the lifting of all restrictions and the massive entry of humanitarian convoys to meet the immense needs of the population. Médecins du Monde International Network already has a mobile clinic and 115 pallets prepositioned at the border, ready to deliver medicines and medical supplies. We also call on Israeli and U.S. authorities to promptly end the food distribution system established in February 2025 under the name Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Each distribution orchestrated by GHF has resulted in dozens of civilian deaths, in complete disregard of international humanitarian law. We condemn the politicization of aid and its transformation into a weapon of war. We call on all states to support aid based on humanitarian principles, delivered by impartial Palestinian and international organizations, and coordinated by the United Nations. 

« This agreement is a glimmer of hope after two years of indiscriminate massacres and indescribable suffering. It must now pave the way for a lasting ceasefire and finally allow the people of Gaza to rebuild. We hope to see our colleagues safe and sound as soon as possible, » says Dr. Jean-François Corty, President of Médecins du Monde France.

« The people of Gaza have endured unimaginable loss and destruction for two years. The lifting of restrictions and the delivery of principled humanitarian aid are urgent moral and legal imperatives. Beyond emergency response, we must now focus on rebuilding lives, communities, and a health system that has been systematically devastated. Médecins du Monde Türkiye stands ready to contribute to this collective effort, in solidarity with our colleagues and the people of Gaza,» Hakan Bilgin, President of Médecins du Monde Türkiye, also highlights. 

The international community must ensure the implementation of United Nations and International Court of Justice decisions. The reconstruction of Gaza, particularly its healthcare system, which has been systematically targeted and destroyed by the Israeli army, must be a priority. This must include the urgent rehabilitation of hospitals and health centers. Médecins du Monde International Network teams are ready to support and contribute to this essential reconstruction effort, led by Palestinians, alongside local and international NGOs.