The more than one million children trapped in Gaza have been granted the hope of a brief respite today following the UN Security Council’s vote to pass a temporary ceasefire resolution, said Save the Children. However, while today’s ceasefire resolution is a vital step, it needs to be implemented immediately and sustained definitively to protect children and prevent atrocity crimes.
Xavier Joubert, Save the Children Country Director in the occupied Palestinian territory, said:
“Today’s UN Security Council decision has the potential to become a lifeline for the children of Gaza, who are being bombed, maimed and starved. This resolution calls for an immediate temporary ceasefire. It must deliver immediately and be extended definitively; children’s lives hang in the balance.
The world is watching to see if Member States fulfill their obligations and turn these words into action. Swift and meaningful steps must be taken by the international community – the UN Security Council, General Assembly, and all its Member States - to immediately implement today's determination and do all within their power to secure its definitive extension. Children’s lives depend on it. Anything less will mark yet another failure, with devastating consequences for children.”
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Joshua Mcdonald on 0421 334 918 or media.team@savethechildren.org.au.