A long-overdue moment of hope for children in Gaza
Following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Dr. Unni Krishnan, Global Humanitarian Director at Plan International, said:
“This is a long-overdue moment of hope for children in Gaza. For two years, the people of Gaza have endured relentless suffering. More than 67,000 people have been killed, including 20,000 children, with many more injured, missing, or detained.
“Plan International welcomes this step. We hope it will be followed by a permanent and sustainable ceasefire that allows Gaza’s children to live, heal, and dream again — and offers the Palestinian people their full rights, in line with UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions.
“A ceasefire will stop the bombs and missiles, but the humanitarian need in Gaza today is immense. Without urgent, lifesaving aid and access, people will continue to die from hunger, dehydration, and a lack of medical care. Saving lives means more than silence on the battlefield — it means immediately scaling up humanitarian relief.
“It is vital that the UN and trusted humanitarian agencies are granted immediate and unconditional access to deliver critical supplies to Gaza at scale. Border crossings must open without delay or restrictions — the current trickle of trucks is nowhere near enough to meet the scale of this emergency.
“Children in Gaza have heard too many broken promises. The collapse of past ceasefires has only deepened their fear and eroded trust. World leaders must not fail them again. Only a permanent ceasefire can protect this generation and pave the way for lasting peace.
“Plan International and our partners are ready to expand our humanitarian operations — but we need full, unhindered access for both humanitarian workers and supplies. We hope this ceasefire marks the beginning of sustained support and justice for the people of Gaza.”
For further information or interview requests, please contact:
Vannette Tolbert, Senior Manager, Communications, Plan International
Tel: +1 240.778.9077, Email: vannette.tolbert@planusa.org
About Plan International
Plan International is an international development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of challenges children face. We are there from birth until adulthood, and we support children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity, while particularly focusing on the experiences of girls. With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in more than 80 countries. We won’t stop until we are all equal.
For more information, please visit www.PlanUSA.org.
