SOS Children’s Villages International welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, which creates an opportunity to end the war that has devastated the lives of children and families. The well-being and safety of children remain central, and the path to sustainable peace and recovery demands immediate and unwavering action.
We view with grave concern the intensified attacks on Gaza, which have killed dozens of people following the announcement of the ceasefire, still putting children at risk.
Thousands of children have been killed, maimed, or separated from their families and caregivers. A lasting ceasefire offers a crucial chance to end their suffering, address these devastating harms, and work toward reuniting children with their loved ones. SOS Children’s Villages has been on the ground throughout this crisis, supporting children and families with care and humanitarian services during the darkest days.
We urge all parties to fully adhere to international human rights and humanitarian laws, particularly those that protect children. Through this ceasefire, we call for the complete cessation of hostilities and the guaranteed, unrestricted delivery of adequate humanitarian aid into Gaza to reach civilian populations — especially children — without delay.
Children must be prioritized in these relief efforts, with adequate provision of medical care, shelter, food, water, education, and family support to prevent further separation or loss of care.
To ensure the urgent delivery of lifesaving aid in Gaza, it is essential to guarantee the continuation of operations by organizations such as UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies, which provide children with vital education, healthcare, and assistance.
We call for robust mechanisms to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law. Children and families in Gaza, like everywhere else, have the right to justice and protection from harm. Every moment of continued violence compounds the trauma endured by children, who urgently need stability and safety to grow up with the care and protection necessary to reach their full potential.
About SOS Children’s Villages
SOS Children’s Villages, founded in 1949, is the world’s largest non-governmental organization focused on supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it.
Child neglect, abuse and abandonment is everywhere. Families are at risk of separation. Locally led, we work in more than 130 countries and territories to strengthen families who are under pressure so they can stay together. When this is not in a child or young person’s best interests, we provide quality care according to their unique needs.
Together with partners, donors, communities, children, young people, and families, we enable children to grow up with the bonds they need to develop and become their strongest selves. We speak up for each child’s rights and advocate for change so all children can grow up in a supportive environment.
About SOS Children’s Villages in Palestine
SOS Children’s Villages in Palestine, established in 1968, provides alternative care to more than 190 children and young people without parental care in two villages: in Rafah (now emergency relocated) and Bethlehem. The organization also runs family strengthening and other preventive programmes that support more than 400 families in the West Bank and Gaza. Since the start of the war in Gaza, SOS Children’s Villages in Palestine has provided direct humanitarian support to the most affected families and separated children.