The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. After months of intense and devastating fighting, this ceasefire offers a critical and desperately needed end to the violence that has caused unimaginable loss. With more than 46,000 people killed in Gaza, the majority of them women and children, this moment provides an opportunity for hope, healing, and much-needed humanitarian assistance. A critical aspect of this ceasefire is the return of Israeli hostages, including female hostages, and the release of detained Palestianians, including women and children. This must be prioritized as negotiations go forward.
This ceasefire agreement, which is set to unfold in three phases, marks a potential turning point that could end the violence and allow for recovery and rebuilding. To hold, inclusive leadership, good faith, and a genuine commitment to peace are required. This hopeful moment must not be squandered.
Among the steps forward, the international community should uphold human rights principles, enforce international law, and include Palestinian and Israeli women in every phase of the peace process and in all aspects of humanitarian relief. Israeli and Palestinian women have long been active in peacebuilding yet they have been marginalized in decision-making. Women on both sides have made courageous efforts to foster dialogue and reconciliation. The Israeli group Women Wage Peace and the Palestinian group Women of the Sun are just two examples of organizations that have worked together across divisions to advance peace and security. As we look ahead, women’s expertise in peacebuilding and reconciliation will remain essential for crafting a lasting peace.
The path forward requires a commitment to human rights, justice, and inclusion–one that prioritizes the safety, dignity, and leadership of women.