Over 100 NGOs Criticize Gaza Ceasefire as Ineffective

More than 100 humanitarian, human rights, and civil society organizations have stated that the ceasefire in Gaza, reached with U.S. backing one year ago, exists only on paper. They claim that Israeli forces continue to kill and injure Palestinians daily and that restrictions on aid and rebuilding materials are hindering recovery efforts. According to a joint statement released on Friday, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 Palestinians, including at least 327 children, since the ceasefire was announced as part of the Gaza Board of Peace framework. Jan Egeland, secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, expressed concern that little has improved for Palestinians in Gaza since the ceasefire was signed. Inger Ashing, chief executive of Save the Children, noted that nearly one child has been killed every day since the ceasefire announcement on October 10, 2025. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that over 74,000 Palestinians have been killed and 175,000 wounded in the three years since the conflict escalated in October 2023. A World Health Organization estimate suggests that about 24 percent of the wounded have life-changing injuries requiring long-term rehabilitation. The health facilities in Gaza are overwhelmed, with shortages of medicine, equipment, and fuel. The ministry states that more than 18,500 patients, including at least 4,000 children, need medical evacuation, and over 1,000 have died while waiting. Additionally, nearly 2 million Palestinians in Gaza are in urgent need of shelter, with 80 percent of structures damaged. Egeland warned that restrictions on construction materials are preventing recovery efforts. The statement also highlighted that 1.4 million people in Gaza are facing crisis-level hunger or worse. On Friday, Israeli forces shot dead at least one Palestinian in various areas of Gaza, and on Thursday, at least eight Palestinians were killed in air strikes and shelling. The statement noted that Israeli forces have further crowded the Palestinian population by moving the so-called 'Yellow Line,' which was established as a buffer zone. Since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, 2025, Israel has killed at least 1,471 Palestinians and injured 5,189. The Palestinian Ministry of Health's count of deaths may not reflect the true toll, as it excludes those buried in destroyed buildings or missing. Agnes Callamard, secretary-general of Amnesty International, emphasized the need for accountability regarding Israel's actions.