[Palestine] More than 400 people, including children, killed in Gaza Strip following Israeli airstrikes during ceasefire

In the early hours of March 18, during the ceasefire that took effect on January 19, 2025, the Israeli military conducted intense airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of over 400 civilians, including many children. The safety of all Peace Winds staff and related personnel has been confirmed.

Even during this ceasefire period, the situation in Gaza remained precarious. Sporadic attacks, including those by drones, persisted, and negotiations toward the second phase of a ceasefire agreement aimed at achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities showed no progress. Since March 2, all humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza had been halted, and by March 9, electricity supply was cut off, once again putting people’s lives at risk.

Despite these conditions, people observed Ramadan (the month of fasting), which began in late February, and scenes of families and relatives enjoying meals together after sunset suggested a partial return to normalcy. Above all, we were momentarily relieved that people could live without the constant fear of large-scale airstrikes and shelling. We had begun discussions with stakeholders in Gaza about resuming activities interrupted by the conflict and planning support for the reconstruction phase.

We cannot help but feel outrage at the unilateral breaking of the ceasefire and the resumption of killing at this juncture. We urge the international community to strongly advocate for the continuation of the ceasefire to prevent further civilian casualties from Israeli military attacks.

Peace Winds does not condone any use of force. We strongly demand an immediate end to attacks on civilians, the resumption of the ceasefire, and the restoration of deliveries of food and other essentials critical to sustaining human life.