Dear John,

Fighting in Gaza is paused, bringing a hopeful reprieve to children and families surviving constant bombardment. The remaining 20 living hostages have arrived in Israel after two years of horror. Some Palestinian detainees have also been released. This long-awaited moment is delicate and must become a lasting and definitive ceasefire. Now, aid must be surged into Gaza for the 2 million people who need food, medical care, shelter and other basics to live a safe and dignified life. 
 

“After two long years of devastation, it was an emotional day in the office – people were crying, hugging and we could hear children singing and dancing. There is very much a feeling of optimism and hope. But still, it's a cautious optimism.” 

Rachael Cummings, Gaza Team Leader

 

Safety for children requires more than words — it requires work. And while this is a crucial first step for children in Gaza — children who’ve been failed for too long while the world watched — their survival will only be secured by a definitive and lasting ceasefire. 
 
Gaza now needs a sustained surge of aid to stop more deaths from starvation, disease and injury. Humanitarian access is a legal obligation, not a point for political negotiation. Save the Children stands ready to scale up our support and deliver lifesaving supplies and treatment to children who desperately need it.
 

With bombs and bullets silenced, families will be able to look to a future of rebuilding and recovering. We dare to hope that this step provides a collective chance to end the unconscionable suffering that has gone on for far too long. 
 
John, I have hope for the first time in what feels like forever. But we cannot do this alone. Save the Children has stood by the children of Gaza from the very beginning — and will continue to stand with them through every step of recovery.

We have supplies ready to go in Egypt, including 10,000 hygiene kits and lifesaving medical items. As winter looms, we need to ensure essential items, including shelter and winter kits, are distributed safely. We run clinics, provide nutrition treatment and deliver water. We know the immense need in Gaza and are ready to reach as many people as possible. 

As our teams prepare to surge aid, please take a moment to read more about how we’ve been helping the children of Gaza.

We know how to prevent and treat malnutrition. Around the world, we deliver lifesaving food, water and health services to children in the most dangerous places. The need is urgent, and your support makes a difference.  
  
On behalf of the children of Gaza, thank you for all that you do, 

Janti Soeripto
President & CEO
Save the Children