New York, NY, October 10, 2025 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) warmly welcomes the adoption of the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza, which includes expanded humanitarian access into Gaza and the release of hostages. The IRC urges all parties to ensure that this agreement becomes a first step toward a permanent end to the war. Without a durable end to hostilities and guaranteed humanitarian access across Gaza, millions of civilians will remain at risk.
For the plan to be effective in addressing critical needs, it must ensure the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and safe and predictable access for aid workers and civilians, including in the north where needs are most acute. Food, fuel, water, and medical supplies must begin to flow in immediately and the steps agreed should lead to a lasting ceasefire.
David Miliband, President and CEO of IRC, said:
“After two years of conflict, everyone should welcome the news of a ceasefire. Civilians desperately need it - together with a massive scale up in humanitarian aid and access. It remains critical that all hostages are released. Meanwhile with 55,000 Palestinian children suffering from acute malnutrition and 90% of the population displaced, what is needed now is a dramatic surge in the amount of aid going into Gaza. The International Rescue Committee and its partners stand ready to seize this moment and scale up the delivery of humanitarian aid; we have more than 5 tonnes of life-saving medical supplies ready and waiting to enter Gaza. IRC will scale up protection, nutrition and water and sanitation services. Civilians need the opening of all aid crossings and rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to people in dire need.”