A call for ceasefire

Amala joins other humanitarian organisations in calling for an immediate ceasefire to allow for the provision of relief to the people of Gaza. We hope that a ceasefire will end the violence, death and destruction, lead to the release of hostages and prisoners, and by addressing the longer-term origins of the violence, pave the way for justice for all peoples in the region.

As an educational organisation which works on a day-to day basis with youth affected by conflict, we see the terrible toll of war and violence on lives and livelihoods. Members of Amala’s community in the Middle East in particular, including our colleagues, students and their family members, are directly and indirectly affected by the violence. Some have relatives who have been killed, injured or lost their homes, while for others it has reawakened the trauma of their own forced displacements from their home countries. We continue to support our community through this extremely challenging time.

Amala’s work is the provision of education in refugee communities. We therefore condemn the violence perpetrated by all sides not only for the unnecessary death and destruction in which it results, but also because of the consequences that attract less global attention: the loss of homes and livelihoods, the forced movements of people and the devastating impact on youth and their education. 

We are deeply disturbed by the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. In addition to the growing death toll, an estimated 1.4 million people have been displaced in the last three weeks, half of whom are under the age of 18. This violence, which adds significantly to the impact of the ongoing occupation of the Palestinian territories, has not only affected their lives and life opportunities but will create even more pressure on existing refugee communities and will force new communities into existence for those who will have nowhere else to go.