Age International welcomes ceasefire in Gaza and calls for urgent action for older people
Published on 16 January 2025 05:12 PM
Age International welcomes the announcement of an interim ceasefire in Gaza, which offers hope for an end to hostilities, the release of hostages, and the delivery of life-saving emergency support. However, we urge all parties to ensure the ceasefire holds and that the humanitarian response prioritises the most at risk groups, including older people.
Over 110,000 older people in Gaza continue to face unimaginable challenges. Many have chronic health conditions, mobility issues, or disabilities. With the health system in Gaza destroyed, and malnutrition rising, the urgent delivery of food, water, and medical supplies is essential to save lives.
"Since October 2023, intensified conflict in Gaza has devastated lives,” Age International’s CEO, Alison Marshall, said today. “Older people, many with disabilities and mobility issues, have experienced death, loss, severe injuries, starvation, and have been forced to flee violence under the most horrific conditions. This ceasefire and hostage release breakthrough, while long overdue, will provide relief to millions across Gaza and Israel. All parties must ensure it holds, and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza must be guaranteed.”
We call on the UK Government and the international community to:
- Ensure the ceasefire is sustained and that large volumes of humanitarian support are urgently delivered without obstruction.
- Guarantee accountability for all violations of international law.
Together with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), Age International is raising money for the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal
We are the only UK-based charity focused on the needs of older people in low and middle-income countries. We are currently working with our partners in Gaza and Lebanon to expand our life-saving emergency support, including essential medication, assistive products such as walking sticks, and food packages for older people. Even with a ceasefire in place, the level of humanitarian support that will continue to be needed is at unprecedented levels. We can’t do this without your support.