The Israeli government and Hamas agreed on October 9, 2025, to the first stage of the US government's "Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict," which includes a ceasefire, the release of Israeli and other hostages held in Gaza and Palestinians from Israeli detention, an increase in the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and phased withdrawal of the Israeli military from parts of Gaza.
The following quote can be attributed to Balkees Jarrah, acting Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch:
"The October 9 ceasefire announcement offers the prospect of desperately needed relief for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, who for two years have faced unlawful killings, starvation, forcible displacement, and property destruction, as well as for Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees and their families.
However, Palestinians in Gaza will continue to suffer and die so long as Israel maintains its unlawful blockade of the Gaza Strip, including by restricting the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations from delivering desperately needed large-scale aid. It is also vital for Israel to ensure the immediate restoration of basic services like electricity, water, and health care, or Palestinians will continue to die from malnutrition, dehydration, and disease.
Now is not the time to exhale. Governments should not wait for the US plan to go into effect to take urgent action to prevent further violations of the basic rights of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, including imposing an arms embargo on the Israeli government and targeted sanctions against Israeli officials credibly implicated in ongoing abuses.
Governments should also seek justice for the atrocities committed with impunity over the past two years, including the Hamas-led war crimes and crimes against humanity on October 7 and thereafter and Israeli authorities' war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide in Gaza. Governments should support the International Criminal Court and address root causes, including Israel's crimes against humanity of apartheid and persecution against Palestinians."
