Save the Children Welcomes Temporary Truce and Hostage Release

The release of several women and children hostages is welcome and long overdue news. Separating children from their families is unconscionable and cruel. This deal will help bring children back home with their loved ones where they belong.

But much more must be done. All hostages must be unconditionally released and rights must be upheld for all children, all of the time. International law, humanitarian principles and the universal rights for children do not discriminate.

And while the temporary truce will provide much needed respite from relentless violence for children in Gaza, they still lack the necessities needed to survive. Food, clean water, a roof over their heads, medical care and — most of all — to be protected from harm.

Aside from supplies, we urgently need to be able to send in more humanitarian workers. All people in Gaza are exhausted and traumatized, they need help to deliver aid safely and effectively.

Every war is a war against children. The only way to keep kids and their families safe is to end the violence. Save the Children is calling for a lasting ceasefire now.