Photo credit: Aljazeera

The National Council on Canada-Arab Relations (NCCAR) acknowledges the announcement of a ceasefire agreement after months of relentless conflict in Palestine. This agreement, stipulating the start of the ceasefire on Sunday, represents a pivotal moment that offers a glimmer of hope to millions affected by violence, devastation and starvation.

The ceasefire aims to facilitate the release of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in jails, while also enabling the flow of humanitarian aid to those in desperate need. The situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with countless lives lost and entire communities left in ruin. This ceasefire is an essential first step toward alleviating the immediate suffering of civilians and creating space for future diplomatic efforts.

NCCAR commends the international community, including Canada, for their efforts in advocating for an end to hostilities. However, this ceasefire must not be seen as the conclusion but rather as the beginning of a broader process towards lasting peace and justice in the region.

We call on the Canadian government and the international community to:

1. Increase humanitarian aid to Gaza and ensure unimpeded access for relief organizations.
2. Advocate for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and detainees especially women and minors held in jails.
3. Support a framework for a sustainable and permanent ceasefire that includes accountability measures for violations of international law.
4. Promote a comprehensive peace process that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict, including the occupation, blockade, and the rights of Palestinians to self-determination.
5. Support the reconstruction of Gaza by collaborating with international partners to rebuild critical infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and homes destroyed during the conflict.
6. Advocate for accountability for war crimes and violations of international law through established mechanisms, including international courts, to ensure justice for victims and prevent future violations.

NCCAR reaffirms its commitment to fostering understanding, respect for international law, and the pursuit of justice. We stand ready to engage with the Canadian government and civil society in advocating for policies that support peace, reconciliation, and respect for human rights in the region.“We welcome this ceasefire as an opportunity to alleviate the immense suffering of civilians in Gaza,” said Rania Hamdan, President of NCCAR. “However, the true measure of success lies in the global community’s commitment to rebuild Gaza, uphold international law, and address the root causes of the conflict to secure lasting peace.”  

Photo credit: AFP

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NCCAR is a not-for-profit charitable organization based in Ottawa, dedicated to fostering greater understanding and knowledge among Canadians about the cultural, historical, and socio-economic realities of the people of the Arab world.

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For more information about NCCAR and our upcoming events, please visit our website at www.nccar.ca.  Media Contact: Rania Hamdan, NCCAR President at 613-255-3376
Email: [email protected] or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @NCCAR_.