UNITED NATIONS, Jan 21 (IPS) – On January 15, 2025, a ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas was approved, bringing the first relief to the people of the Gaza Strip after 15 months of conflict. This allowed an exchange of prisoners and hostages between the two nations and a large flow of humanitarian aid directed to Gaza. Although this only affects the first phase of the three-phase process, it is uncertain whether Israel will continue to support the negotiations after the completion of the first phase.
On January 20, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) issued a press statement in which it was confirmed that they facilitated the first transfer of hostages and prisoners between Israel and Hamas. In a statement, the ICRC revealed that three Israeli hostages were returned to Israel from Gaza and 90 Palestinian prisoners were returned to the Palestinian territories.
The ICRC described exchange operations between the two nations as “complex” and requiring “strict” security measures to be maintained. The dangers of unexploded ordnance, large crowds, and destroyed infrastructure made these operations very careful. Special ICRC staff, including doctors, were on the front lines and provided medical assistance as the exchange took place.
“We are saddened that those who have been released will now be able to meet their loved ones. Ensuring their safe return and providing the necessary care at this critical time is a huge responsibility. More and more families are anxiously waiting for their loved ones to come home. We ask all parties involved to continue to adhere to their commitments to ensure that the following activities can take place safely. Our teams are ready to continue implementing this agreement to release more hostages and detainees, and reunite more families,” said ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric.
In a statement, the ICRC reiterated the urgency of the humanitarian situation in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Gazans have been fighting for more than a year for food, clean water, electricity, fuel and shelter. In addition, access to many basic services, such as sanitation, education, and health care, has been greatly reduced.
Along with the exchange of prisoners between Israel and Palestine, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, spoke to the Security Council about the current situation in Gaza. Guterres said the UN remains committed to facilitating a peaceful transition period for both nations, adding that both sides must “make good” on the terms of the ceasefire agreement. This includes the complete cessation of hostilities and the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“I urge the Security Council and all Member States to support all efforts to implement this ceasefire, to end hostilities once and for all, to ensure accountability, and to create the conditions for rehabilitation and reconstruction. International media must be allowed into Gaza to report on this important story on the ground. We must use the opportunity presented by the ceasefire agreement to strengthen efforts to deal with the governance and security structures in Gaza,” said Guterres.
Guterres added that the UN must have safe and unimpeded access to all access points available in Gaza to deliver essential resources and basic services and rebuild critical infrastructure in the enclave. On January 19, the World Food Program (WFP) issued a press statement in which it confirmed that aid trucks have begun crossing into Gaza. WFP wants to facilitate the delivery of 150 truckloads of aid every day to Gaza at all border crossings. Trucks from Jordan and Israel aim to reach residents in the north of the enclave while trucks from Egypt aim to reach people in the south.
Additionally, WFP delivered 5,000 liters of fuel, as well as food parcels, bottled water, winter clothing and vaccinations. In addition, 33 patients, nearly a dozen doctors, and 16 administrative staff are still at Al Awda Hospital. Access remains extremely challenging due to ongoing security concerns.
On January 20, the Palestinian Non-Governmental Network (PNGO) and the Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA) issued a joint statement in which they welcomed the implementation of the cease-fire agreement and highlighted the magnitude of the needs facing the people of Gaza. The two organizations called on all parties involved to monitor the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and investigate all violations of international humanitarian law.
“They must ensure accountability through investigations, support international law enforcement agencies, and establish an international mechanism to address ongoing violations. Ending impunity is essential to ending violence, for the Palestinian people, for the region and for all of humanity. We call on all parties to the conflict and the guarantors to respect and ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement. This establishment must be the beginning of an important process towards justice, peace and dignity for all people. “Palestinian voices must be the focus of all reconstruction negotiations so that there is a reasonable solution to end the suffering of the Palestinian people,” said the spokesperson of the two organizations.
On January 18, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised statement, informed reporters that the ceasefire is temporary and that Israel reserves its right to continue its offensive with the support of the United States if Hamas does not agree to end it. deal. “If we need to fight again, we will do so in new ways and we will do it with great strength,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu’s statements have caused serious concern among political analysts and humanitarian organizations that the ceasefire may not be fully implemented. Marc Lynch, director of the Middle East Studies program at George Washington University, pointed out that the ceasefire will not pass the first phase and that lasting peace will not be achieved.
“There are endless loopholes for spoilers on both sides, and disagreements remain over the details of the next steps of the deal. There are many people in Israel who would like to see this war prosecuted forever,” said Lynch.
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© Inter Press Service (2025) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
