SRINAGAR: The ceasefire in Gaza, which began on Sunday, has been hailed as a significant step towards easing the humanitarian crisis in the region. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has commended the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States in brokering the agreement and urged all parties to adhere to their commitments.
Rafah, southern #Gaza today.
With relief comes a heaviness from the weight of overwhelming devastation.
Families here looking for homes that are no more, looking for loved ones still under the rubble. Families of hostages desperately awaiting news.
The loss is immeasurable. pic.twitter.com/nE3o25IMZ3
— Louise Wateridge (@UNWateridge) January 19, 2025
Speaking on Sunday, Guterres said, “I commend Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their steadfast efforts to secure this deal. While many challenges lie ahead, we should appreciate the long-overdue relief this moment provides for Palestinians in Gaza and the hostages reunited with their loved ones.”
As part of the agreement, three Israeli hostages were released by Hamas and returned to Israel via the Red Cross. Simultaneously, Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners, marking the start of the first phase of the deal. The United Nations described these developments as a vital step towards reducing tensions and fostering trust between the parties.
The ceasefire has also enabled a rapid escalation in the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the population has been reeling from months of devastating conflict. Guterres reported that over 630 trucks loaded with food, water, and essential supplies entered Gaza on Sunday, with at least 300 trucks directed to the hardest-hit northern areas.
The ceasefire took effect, after more than 470 days of war in #Gaza.
As the truce began, displaced Palestinians gradually started returning to see their homes. pic.twitter.com/NFPF18uFV8
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) January 19, 2025
“We stand ready to support this implementation and scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer,” Guterres said, while also emphasising the importance of creating safe conditions for aid delivery and protecting civilians.
The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, highlighted the importance of the ceasefire in allowing the surge of aid into Gaza. “As the ceasefire entered into force, we moved swiftly to increase our support to survivors. More than 630 trucks carrying life-saving supplies entered Gaza, providing a lifeline to those in desperate need,” Fletcher said.
Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) launched an ambitious operation to deliver at least 150 truckloads of food daily into Gaza. Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director, stated, “This ceasefire offers a critical opportunity to stave off starvation, but it requires all border crossings to remain open and humanitarian workers to operate freely.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed grave concerns over the health crisis in Gaza, where more than 46,600 people have been killed and over 110,000 injured since the conflict began. WHO announced plans for a 60-day emergency response focusing on trauma care, child health, and rebuilding primary health services, calling for international donors to step up support.
Guterres reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to facilitating a durable peace process, stating, “This ceasefire must lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities and a pathway to addressing the root causes of the conflict. We urge all parties to focus on governance and security frameworks that ensure lasting peace in Gaza.”
As displaced Palestinians cautiously return to inspect the ruins of their homes, the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for those who have endured relentless suffering. The United Nations and its agencies are urging all parties to uphold the agreement and work towards a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the crisis.
