Carter Center Calls for Cease Fire in Gaza and End to Attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank

ATLANTA (July 21, 2025) — Palestinians continue to endure relentless violence and deprivation across Gaza and the West Bank, nearly 21 months into a war with no end in sight. The United Nations reports nearly 900 Palestinians have been killed by security forces while seeking food at distribution sites in Gaza. This weekend, dozens were killed by Israeli gunfire while awaiting a humanitarian convoy delivering food.

In the West Bank, five Palestinians were killed by Israeli settlers in the past 10 days, including Palestinian American Sayfollah “Saif” Musallet, a 20-year-old from Florida, beaten to death while visiting family.

Israeli forces and settlers have killed nearly 1,000 Palestinians and forcibly displaced more than 40,000 in the West Bank since Oct. 7, 2023. Although settler violence is widespread, prosecutions are infrequent and convictions even rarer. 

The ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza and the West Bank are untenable and indefensible. We implore the Israeli government to accept a permanent ceasefire and hold settlers accountable for their role in violence throughout the West Bank. We reiterate our calls for the immediate release of civilian hostages and prisoners. We echo calls for the U.S. to investigate Saif Musallet’s killing, and urge the international community to redouble its efforts to bring about a ceasefire and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. 

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Contact: media@cartercenter.org

The Carter Center
Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.