ICN Calls for Lasting Peace as Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Begins

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) welcomes the implementation of a six-week ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, with initial hostage and prisoner releases now underway and humanitarian aid deliveries beginning to reach Gaza. ICN calls for sustained, permanent peace and emphasizes the critical need for long-term support and humanitarian relief in the region.

ICN President Dr Pamela Cipriano commented: “The 42-day Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement is a welcome reprieve from the horrors of war. However, we know that people celebrating the hope brought by the pause in hostilities and the return of hostages and prisoners remain cautious about the fragile state of the temporary peace brought by this ceasefire. We express our deepest hope that this first step will lead to a permanent end to this devastating conflict that has created a humanitarian crisis of massive proportions.

‘As all of us around the world await implementation of the next phases of this ceasefire agreement, we are also anxious to see more aid trucks bringing essential and lifesaving supplies to relieve the starvation and desperate conditions affecting those in Gaza. We must now look forward and focus on rebuilding vital structures including hospitals and housing as well as repairing relationships that have been damaged by years of tensions.”

Dr Cipriano highlighted the severe pressures faced by nurses, who have provided vital care throughout the crisis:

“The scale of suffering, death and destruction resulting from this conflict has affected all people in the region and, as we know, has an even greater burden for the nurses and other healthcare personnel who work tirelessly to help the ill, wounded and dying, often at great personal risk and in extremely challenging conditions. ICN and our more than 130 NNAs send a message of solidarity and support to all of the nurses and patients caught up in the conflict.

‘Nurses are not immune to the stress and strain of political strife no matter where they live or what they believe. The scars and trauma our colleagues in the region have experienced will remain for years to come, and they and their communities will need ongoing help in order to begin to heal. We and our member organizations in the region aim to work in solidarity to address the many challenges ahead as part of our mission to be both health makers and peacemakers. Our profession has always stood for peace and healing, values that are needed now more than ever.

‘ICN has been in regular contact with our national nursing associations in both Israel and Palestine. Through our #NursesforPeace campaign and other work, we have provided direct support, raised awareness of the challenges faced by nurses, and called for the protection of all health personnel. ICN urges all parties to maintain and extend this ceasefire and support the humanitarian response needed to rebuild and recover. We have hope for a more peaceful and secure future for the Israeli and Palestinian people.”

Please note that in addition ICN will be sharing interviews with the Palestinian and Israeli National Nursing Associations in the coming days.