Carter Center Calls for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Deanna Congileo, dcongil@emory.edu

ATLANTA....Gaza is on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe. Two weeks of indiscriminate bombing and fighting in and around Gaza has left over 600 Palestinians dead, an estimated two-thirds of whom are civilians, including over 150 children. The Israeli death toll has reached 29, including two civilians.

"Both sides must distinguish between combatants and noncombatants, and Israel must ensure that its use of force is proportionate in accordance with international humanitarian law. More immediately, all combat operations must stop, and Israeli troops should withdraw from Gaza," said former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

Only a ceasefire agreement that ends the isolation of Gaza and restores its links with the West Bank can bring about a durable ceasefire. "The international community must use the ceasefire agreement as an opportunity to advance the reunification of Palestine if there is to be sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The agreement must include implementation and international monitoring mechanisms," added former President Carter.

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