Press Release – International humanitarian and development organisation ACT Alliance has condemned the attacks on civilians and called on the international community to act immediately to stop the escalating violence between Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

The Alliance is calling for an urgent ceasefire, followed by intensive diplomatic intervention involving all parties including the international community, to deal with the actual causes of the conflict.

The call comes as the world witnesses the worst violence between Israel and Palestine in recent years. ACT Alliance is preparing to provide medication and support to ensure the provision of primary healthcare at outpatient clinics and a hospital in Gaza.

ACT Alliance General Secretary John Nduna called on the parties to the conflict and the UN to facilitate humanitarian access to those affected, including treatment for the injured and other humanitarian needs.

“Once again, it is innocent men, women and children who are suffering and paying the ultimate price for the failure of the politicians,” said Nduna. “We condemn without reservation any attacks on civilians irrespective of their faith, ethnicity, or nationality, and condemn the use of civilians as human shields.  This escalation of violent conflict is a reminder to us all that grief and pain are never far away for Israelis and Palestinians.”

“If the leadership of Palestine and Israel do not urgently pursue a genuine and viable solution to the conflict,” he continued, “then they will be condemning more innocent civilians to despair and hopelessness.”

ACT has been responding to the humanitarian needs of people in Gaza and the West Bank since 2000, providing assistance in the areas of education, health, protection of civilians, access to water and other basic services.