Humanist Society calls for ceasefire in Gaza

November 16, 2023

Humanist Society Scotland is adding its voice to the growing international chorus calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Yesterday, UK MPs rejected a motion calling for a ceasefire, while the UN passed a vote in favour of “urgent, extended humanitarian pauses” but stopped short of backing a ceasefire. Now is the time for civic society in Scotland and around the world to make its voice heard.

The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza is unconscionable, and should be a matter of grave concern for humanists and humanist organisations everywhere. Hamas’s attacks on October 7 were an act of violent terrorism that we condemn in the strongest possible terms. In addition, the violence being done to Gaza’s civilian population by the Israeli military constitutes a breach of international humanitarian law and must stop.

To call for an end to fighting in Gaza does not mean condoning terrorist atrocities. Nor does it mean endorsing Hamas’s civic leadership in Gaza. That is why we call for:

A real and durable ceasefire in Gaza, and more specifically an end to the violence being done on a massive scale to innocent civilians by the Israeli military
The return of all hostages held by Hamas and other terrorist groups, in particular children
Immediate humanitarian access to Gaza on a meaningful scale for UN agencies and partners
Genuine safe routes out of Gaza for all those affected by fighting with the promise of safe and equitable return.

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