Gaza: 18 NGOs call France and the EU to require an immediate ceasefire

In a press release, 18 civil society organizations, including the platform of French NGOs for Palestine, called on France and the European Union to demand an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, the resumption of humanitarian aid and the release of hostages.

“After the resumption of massive bombing by the Israeli army on Tuesday, March 18, which left at least 413 dead in the Gaza Strip, we call on France and the European Union to exert diplomatic pressure to obtain an immediate cease-fire”declare these organizations. They also insist on “ The need to restore water and electricity, to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and to guarantee respect for international humanitarian law ”.

NGOs recall that these strikes have been the most violent since the cease-fire in place on January 19. “The majority of victims are women and children”they underline, based on figures from the Gaza Ministry of Health. They add that the humanitarian situation is critical: “92 % of homes are destroyed or damaged, and 92 % of children from 6 to 23 months old suffer from malnutrition. »»

Finally, the signatory organizations recall that the International Court of Justice ordered, on January 26, 2024, in Israel to guarantee the delivery of basic services and humanitarian aid, and to ensure the immediate release of hostages. “Third states are responsible for enforcing international law”they conclude.

Press release from 18 NGOs

After the resumption of massive bombing by the Israeli army on Tuesday, March 18, which left at least 413 dead in the Gaza Strip, 18 civil society organizations-including the platform of French NGOs for Palestine-call on France and the European Union to exert diplomatic pressure for an immediate cease-fire, the recovery of humanitarian aid, the reinstatement of water and electricity, Hostages and more generally respect for international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip.

These bombings are the most important since the entry into force of the ceasefire on January 19. According to the Ministry of Health of the Gaza Strip, the majority of victims of these bombings are women and children, and hundreds of people have been injured, of which dozens are in critical condition. Wednesday, March 12, WHO estimated that 48,524 people had been killed and 111,955 injured in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.

The breakdown of the ceasefire comes while the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is catastrophic after fifteen months of incessant Israeli bombing between October 2023 and January 2025, and while Israel has blocked any humanitarian aid entry since March 2, 2025. According to the UN Humanitarian Coordination Office (OCHA), more than 92 % of the dwellings are destroyed or damaged. 92 % of children from 6 to 23 months old, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women are in a state of malnutrition. Only 60 % of hospitals are functional, only one completely one. Between 12,000 and 14,000 patients, including 4,500 children, require immediate medical evacuation. 1,875,000 people are looking for an emergency refuge

On January 26, 2024, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to refrain from committing acts constituting the crime of genocide, and taking immediate and effective measures to allow the provision of basic services and humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. The Court also called for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. Our organizations recall that third states are responsible for enforcing international law.