Smoke rises after an Isreali airstrike in Gaza city 15 November 2012. REUTERS/AHMED ZAKOTIn the wake of the rapidly escalating violence in and around Gaza and southern Israel, CARE International calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities by all sides and for their strict adherence to International Humanitarian Law.

"We deeply regret and condemn the current spike in violence and loss of life in and around Gaza. The failure of all relevant actors to find a just and durable solution for Gaza creates conditions in which all sides revert to violence too often and too easily, with the Gaza civilians left paying the highest price. We therefore call upon all parties to the new conflict to act with the interest of the people of Gaza and south Israel in mind, abide by their obligations under international law and cease the ongoing hostilities," said Country Director David White.

CARE is currently assisting 80,000 most vulnerable residents of the Gaza Strip, whose security and livelihoods have been undermined by a 5-year long naval and land blockade, in meeting their basic food needs. The majority are women and girls who bear the brunt of conflict and poverty.

For further information please contact the Press Officers:

Kathryn Richards - Senior Press Officer
Email: richards@careinternational.org
Tel: +44 (0)207 091 6047

Deborah Underdown - Press Officer
Email: underdown@careinternational.org
Tel: +44 (0)207 091 6063

Josephine Broughton - PR and Communications Executive
Email: broughton@careinternational.org
Tel: +44 (0)207 091 6014

Out of hours number: 07824 563 810