Ceasefire in the Middle East


I am immensely relieved to hear of the announcement of a ceasefire in the Middle East.

This is a crucial step towards halting the violence that has claimed too many lives and caused immense suffering on both sides. The Palestinian people have suffered immeasurable loss, too many innocent people have lost their lives or their loved one and indeed their homes.

As well as a stop to the violence and killing, this ceasefire must enable a safe release of Israeli hostages and a significant increase in humanitarian aid, which is urgently needed to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.

It is now vital that all parties engage in meaningful dialogue to address the root causes of this conflict. There must be a better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people — grounded in a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel living alongside an independent and viable Palestinian state.