Carter Center calls for Gaza cease-fire, return of hostages

The Carter Center, a human rights nonprofit organization founded by former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, former first lady Rosalyn Carter, called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“This weekend, Israeli forces moved into Gaza and intensified their devastating attacks. Israel, like all nations, has a right to defend itself; it also has the obligation of proportionality under international law. Violence will only beget more violence,” the organization said in a statement on Tuesday, also sharing quotes the former president made during a Nobel Peace Prize lecture in 2002. 

“We urge all parties to agree to a cease-fire. We ask for the opening of humanitarian corridors into Gaza and the reinstatement of essential services to the area,” it added. “We urge the immediate, safe return of all hostages, and we call on both sides to abide by international law.”

The organization also decried the recent rise of “antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian sentiments around the world,” calling dehumanization a “gateway to violence and must be condemned wherever it arises.” 

“Collective punishment is contrary to international law. So is the murder of civilians. The violence must stop now,” the organization said. “There is no military solution to this crisis, only a political one that acknowledges the common humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians, respects the human rights of all, and creates a path for both societies to live side by side in peace.” 

It’s been three weeks since Hamas’s surprise attack against Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people in Israel. About 200 others were taken hostage by the militant group. 

In response, Israel has launched a series of airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of more than 8,500 people, the majority of whom are women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

​​The U.S., along with its Western allies, has shown support for Israel; House lawmakers passed a resolution last week expressing support for Israel and condemning Hamas’s attack. 

The House Republicans unveiled Monday a $14.3 billion aid package for Israel, a package that signals the U.S.’s support for Israel.