The Center for Arab-West Understanding in Egypt and the Arab-West Foundation in the Netherlands affirm the equal dignity and value of all Palestinian and Israeli lives. Without minimizing the painful history that stands behind the present moment, we especially grieve the loss of civilian life in recent weeks during the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel and during the ongoing Israeli siege and bombardment of Gaza. Along with many others in the international community, we strongly support an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. We urge Western governments to use their significant influence toward this end and support the efforts of Egypt, Jordan, and other regional governments who are engaged in crucial diplomatic efforts. We are especially mindful at this time of those many Palestinians and Israelis who yearn for peace and a shared future. 

Professor Hoda Awad

Chair - The Center for Arab-West Understanding

Member - National Council of Human Rights (Egypt)

Cornelis Hulsman

Founding Director - The Center of Arab-West Understanding

Founding Editor-in-Chief - Arab-West Report (1997-2022)

Koen Vliegenthart

Chair - Arab-West Foundation (Netherlands)

Matthew Anderson

Director - The Center for Arab-West Understanding

Executive Editor - Dialogue Across Borders

Noha Heraiba

Database Editor - Dialogue Across Borders

October 31, 2023