Amman, Jordan, October 22, 2025 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) welcomes the continued diplomatic efforts to protect the fragile ceasefire in Gaza which has brought the prospect of much needed safety to millions of civilians who have endured more than two years of devastation. The IRC urges all parties to ensure that this progress marks the beginning of a lasting peace and a sustained scale-up of humanitarian assistance.
IRC staff on the ground report that thousands of displaced people and many who have returned to areas like Gaza City after the ceasefire are still struggling amid massive destruction. With homes reduced to rubble and basic services decimated, families are living without adequate shelter, clean drinking water, food, or sanitation. Health facilities remain overwhelmed, leaving those in need of medical care unable to access lifesaving services, putting already vulnerable lives at even greater risk.
The IRC currently has more than 500 tonnes of medical equipment and hygiene supplies ready to dispatch to Gaza, but has still not been able to move this life saving aid across the border due to ongoing bureaucratic delays by the Israeli authorities.
IRC staff working inside Gaza have shared firsthand accounts of the immense suffering, loss, and resilience of communities. These testimonies reflect the daily reality faced by families across Gaza and underscore the urgent need for the continued reduction of violence and sustained humanitarian action.
Hasan Ayoush, an IRC Protection Officer in Gaza, said:
“I feel overwhelmed with deep sorrow for what we have lost, and for the immense pain and suffering endured by our people. I grieve for every home destroyed and every life lost. Yet I hold on to hope that the ceasefire will last and that peace will finally prevail in our land.”
Yahya Mansour, IRC Senior Supply Chain Officer in Gaza, added:
“We are so exhausted. Our hopes have become simple: to sleep without fear and to have a decent meal. When I leave the house, I just want to go out feeling at peace, knowing I will return and find my children safe.”
With a ceasefire in place and improvements in humanitarian access, what is needed now is a surge in aid to address the immense humanitarian needs in Gaza. The IRC, both directly and through partners, is expanding its existing health, protection and basic needs services to address the massive needs of affected communities. With most hospitals destroyed and famine still threatening lives in Gaza city and surrounding areas, IRC is expanding nutrition screening and treatment, as well as scaling up sexual and reproductive health services, emergency obstetric and newborn care. Our teams will also continue to provide mental health and psychosocial support, gender-based violence and child protection services, emergency cash assistance, and restore access to clean water and hygiene supplies.
The IRC continues to advocate for improved humanitarian conditions on the ground and calls on all parties to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access across Gaza in line with obligations under international law. This requires the full opening of all crossing points into Gaza, increased screening capacity for aid convoys, and the end of bureaucratic delays to aid movement into Gaza. Inside Gaza, humanitarians must be able to move freely without obstruction particularly in the north where needs remain most acute. Ensuring the continuation of the ceasefire will determine whether this moment becomes a true turning point for the region and a step toward lasting peace and recovery.