Human Rights First Welcomes Ceasefire Announcement, Reiterates Calls for Aid Surge and Accountability

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First welcomes the announcement of a preliminary ceasefire agreement between the Israeli Government and Hamas to begin 24 hours after the approval of the first phase of the plan by the Israeli Government, expected October 9. It is promising that the first phase includes the long-sought release of all hostages and the return of 250 Palestinian prisoners and more than 1,700 Palestinians detained since October 7, 2023; a partial withdrawal of Israel forces from the Gaza Strip; and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

Many important factors were not addressed in the initial phase of the ceasefire deal. In response, Human Rights First President and CEO Uzra Zeya stated: “This is a critical step, but it is vital that this agreement be followed with an immediate surge of humanitarian aid distributed by organizations with demonstrated adherence to international humanitarian law and principles. Palestinians in Gaza deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives and must be included in decisions about their future.”

Zeya concluded, “Ceasefires are fragile; this is not the first time in the past two years a ceasefire has been announced. Lasting peace will require accountability for crimes committed by all parties.”

U.S. civil society, students, organizations, and communities of faith have been steadfast in their calls for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, release of all hostages and arbitrarily detained individuals, and accountability for human rights violations since October 7, 2023. In this context, the Trump administration must cease its targeting of individuals and organizations exercising their First Amendment rights. Those advocates never should have been targeted by the U.S. government for their peaceful efforts to raise awareness and end the abuses and suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.