The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza as a critical and overdue step that follows 15 months of war that has devastated the region. According to the latest Lancet report, over 100,000 lives have been lost, each a tragic reminder of the immense human toll of this conflict.
This ceasefire is not just a pause in violence; it is an opportunity for the people of Gaza to mourn their loved ones, bury the dead, and begin the very critical task of rebuilding their lives and communities. We echo the urgent call for immediate, uninterrupted humanitarian access to Gaza. One that ensures that aid workers, health professionals, and journalists can perform their critical roles without obstruction.
While this ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, it must not be treated as an endpoint. Instead, it must serve as a foundation for addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the occupation, illegal settlements, and systemic denial of Palestinian rights. The International Court of Justice and United Nations have repeatedly affirmed the illegality of these practices, which must end if genuine peace is to prevail.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation also calls for accountability for the cruelty that has been committed against innocent civilians in Gaza. The scale of suffering demands that those responsible for war crimes face justice. Reparations must be made to restore dignity and provide resources to rebuild the lives that have been shattered by this violence.
We acknowledge the efforts of global leaders in negotiating this agreement and note President Biden’s mention of extending talks to achieve a permanent resolution. Such efforts are vital, but they must be grounded in justice and international law.
As the world reflects on the devastating consequences of this conflict, we are reminded of the power of solidarity. Just as the global anti-apartheid movement helped dismantle apartheid in South Africa, so too must this moment galvanize a unified stand for justice in Palestine. The launch of the South African chapter of the Global Anti-Apartheid Movement for Palestine underscores the critical role of civil society in amplifying the voices of the oppressed and mobilising for change.
We honour the courage and resilience of the Palestinian people, who have endured unimaginable suffering with great strength. The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation calls on individuals, governments, and organisations worldwide to recommit to the principles of dignity and peace.
This ceasefire is a moment of hope, but it must also be a turning point. We must recommit to building a world where oppression, apartheid, and occupation have no place, and where human rights and dignity prevail for all.
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Issued by The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
For media inquiries, please contact:
Anele Gcwabe
Communications Manager
Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
083-278-8832
anele@kathradafoundation.org