HIAS Welcomes Ceasefire and Hostage Deal 

SILVER SPRING, Md — HIAS shares in the relief of countless Israelis and Palestinians that a ceasefire and hostage deal has finally been reached. While only the first step of a long process ahead, we urge all parties to ensure this leads to the return of all hostages, to the unhindered delivery of wide-scale humanitarian and reconstruction aid in Gaza, and to a strategy to end the cycle of violence. 

And yet, we know that it can never be enough, and there is no action that can undo the unbearable suffering of the past 15 months. We share in the grief and heartbreak of all those who lost loved ones on and since October 7 in Israel, and during the devastating months of fear, hunger, displacement, disease, and destruction in Gaza. 

As a Jewish humanitarian organization, HIAS has acted throughout the last 15 months to provide aid on the ground to affected and displaced populations in Israel.  We have emphasized the human toll of the conflict across the region, and the need for protection for civilians and humanitarian workers. We have called for the need to address the dire situation in Gaza, where the civilian population has been deprived of access to basic needs such as food, water, medicine, and shelter, as schools, hospitals, and apartment buildings have been destroyed. The process of recovery and rebuilding must start immediately with a rapid and massive influx of aid so that people can return home and begin to rebuild their lives.  

“We are overwhelmed with emotion today,” said Sivan Carmel, Director of HIAS Israel. “For many Israelis, the hostage families have become like our own. We feel a sense of joy for those who will soon be reunited with their loved ones, and utter despair for those who are laying their loved ones to rest after waiting all this time, or who are still waiting to learn if or when their loved ones will return.”

Carmel continued, “When we look to Gaza and to the civilians and their suffering, we are yet again overwhelmed by emotion. Sadness and despair for the dire conditions and endless stories of horror over these months. And hopeful that this can be a new beginning, an end to the war and displacement, and the start of rebuilding for everyone: homes, spirits, and peace.” 

For more information on HIAS’ Emergency Response in Israel, click here. 

For media inquiries, please contact media@hias.org.