Streets and schools will soon be under fire again: Malala calls for a full ceasefire in Gaza

As Israel’s military operative in Gaza comes to a temporary halt, supporters of Palestine across the world are amplifying calls for a complete and immediate ceasefire. Nobel laureate and women’s education activist Malala Yousafzai is among many to express relief at the temporary truce.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the philanthropist acknowledged the respite but pointed out the challenges that lie ahead. “Tonight, I feel relief for the women, children and young people reunited with their families, and for the pause in the bombardment of Gaza,” Malala said.

Relaying her mixed feelings about the pause in Gaza’s devastation, she insisted upon the fleeting relief before atrocities against Palestinians resume in full force. “But tomorrow, children in Gaza will wake up still grieving loved ones, desperate for food and water and fearing that their homes, streets and schools will soon be under fire again.”

Putting forth an unequivocal demand for a ceasefire, Malala stated, “We must keep speaking out for them— for a full ceasefire and more humanitarian aid. The needless suffering must end.” The activist articulated her take as a quote reply to her October 20 post where she urged people to sign a petition against Israel’s military strikes on children.

The post read, “Join me in adding your name to this petition demanding that Israel halt its assault on schools and places where children are seeking shelter and that leaders reach a deal to release all children being unjustly held hostage or imprisoned.”

In an earlier X post this month, Malala underscored child protection in conflict zones as per international law. She denounced the bombings of schools and hospitals by Israeli forces, leading to the tragic loss of thousands of children's lives since October 7. She said, “Children and schools should never be targets. This isn’t a matter of opinion — it’s international law.”

Highlighting the breach of international law, she restated her plea for a ceasefire and called on the Israeli government to cease these indiscriminate attacks, emphasizing the grave impact on numerous innocent Palestinian children and families.

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