“We have to hope and work to ensure that it lasts” – Carmichael responds to Gaza ceasefire

Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal to end 15 months of war in Gaza following months of talks, according to the BBC. The deal will allow hundreds of thousands of displaced people in Gaza city and southern Gaza to go back to their homes, and will allow 600 trucks per day of aid and medical supplies, including tents, into Gaza from the Rafah crossing.

Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 back to Gaza as hostages. The attack triggered a massive Israeli offensive on Gaza, during which more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed. Israel says 94 of the hostages are still being held by Hamas, of whom 34 are presumed dead.

Responding to the news, Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael said:

“This news will be some relief to Palestinians and Israelis, and indeed their family members across the world. Lord knows it has been too long in coming. We have to hope and work to ensure that it lasts.

“A ceasefire is not the goal in of itself. This cannot be about freezing the conflict in place or simply allowing Hamas to retrench and prepare for further attacks and the abuse of its own citizens. It must be the prelude to renewed work towards a two-state solution. Only that two-state solution can deliver the security that both Palestinians and Israelis deserve. 

“There is still a humanitarian catastrophe going on in Gaza affecting millions of innocent people. This ceasefire must be a prelude to ramping up the delivery of desperately needed aid. If this is progress then it is progress that we must build upon with all the urgency we can muster.”