The Imperative of a Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza

On October 7, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,400 people and taking at least 240 hostages. Israel responded by declaring war on Hamas, and has launched military strikes on the Gaza Strip that so far have killed over 8,000 people.

On October 26, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the escalating crisis in Gaza, calling for a humanitarian ceasefire. The resolution condemns all acts of violence aimed at Palestinian and Israeli civilians, including all acts of terrorism and indiscriminate attacks, as well as all acts of provocation, incitement and destruction. It calls for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities, and demands that all parties immediately and fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

The resolution passed with 121 votes in favor, 14 against, and 44 abstentions.

This conversation focuses on the urgent humanitarian need for a ceasefire and the challenging operational implications of establishing a cessation of hostilities. This event is cosponsored by the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and the Peace Research Institute Oslo, and was recorded on November 2, 2023.

Speakers:

• Kristian Berg Harpviken, Research Professor, PRIO
• Nadim Khoury, Associate Professor, Department of Law, Inland Norway University of Applied Science
• Ben Majekodunmi, Chief of Staff, UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
• Sarit Michaeli, International Advocacy Lead, B’Tselem
• Moderated by Laurie Nathan, Professor of the Practice of Mediation, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies

For more information visit the event website.