Handmade wooden crosses pictured in a workshop in the Bethlehem old city. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC
Association of International Development Agencies condemns atrocities, calls for immediate ceasefire
(LWI) –Following “one year of devastation” and persistent worldwide condemnation of the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel and ensuing war in Gaza, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) joins a group of international organizations urging, “It is not too late for the global community to act.”
The statement by the Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA) affirms collective mourning and condemnation of the atrocity of crimes committed over the past 12 months. AIDA brings together over 80 international non-governmental and non-profit organizations working in the occupied Palestinian territory.
“As we remember those who perished, we call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages and the thousands of unlawfully detained civilians—whether Israeli or Palestinian,” the organizations state.
It is not too late for the global community to act.
AIDA statement
AIDA insists that the protection of civilians must be a shared priority for all, and international law must be upheld in all cases. Its statement highlights the catastrophic impact of ongoing military actions including indiscriminate bombings that “have killed and maimed Palestinian civilians, including children, in record numbers,” widespread destruction and displacement of millions of people in Gaza. "We never imagined the world would allow this horror to continue for so long," AIDA states.
The current situation, the organizations say, “reflects the failure of the international order— particularly powerful nations whose inaction and enabling of Israel’s actions have compounded Palestinian suffering and shattered international norms.” It further undermines “the very foundations of what the global community has strived to uphold since its establishment.”
AIDA also notes that more humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza this past year than in any other conflict zone globally, highlighting the immense risks faced by those attempting to deliver aid.
“If the world continues to merely publish void condemnation, the principles of international law will continue to be weakened or disregarded,” the statement warns, urging immediate global action to end the occupation and secure lasting peace.
