Guterres welcomes start of Gaza ceasefire as UN boosts food deliveries – World Issues

“We stand ready to support this initiative and increase the delivery of ongoing aid to the many Palestinians who continue to suffer,” the UN official said in a social media post.

He added: “It is important that this moratorium removes security and political obstacles to the delivery of aid.”

According to news reports, three Israeli hostages held by Hamas were released and transferred back to Israel by the Red Cross, as the first phase of the ceasefire agreement came into effect. Reports suggest that later on Sunday, Israel is expected to release 90 Palestinian prisoners.

Signed last week by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, the three-phase ceasefire comes 15 months after Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. About 1,200 people were killed and 250 were taken hostage, while about 100 are still preserved.

Israel has launched a military operation following an attack led by Hamas on its territory.

More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began, according to Gaza health authorities.

Since then, the Gaza Strip has been devastated and its two million inhabitants have been left in need of food and other necessities.

The ceasefire and the implementation of the first phase were hailed by the United Nations as an important step towards peace and in reducing the great suffering endured by the Palestinian people.

What’s left of ‘home’

Early in the morning after the agreement came into effect, many Palestinians who were still homeless began to slowly return to see what was left of their homes.

Shadi Jumaa Abu Sheha returned to Nuseirat in the center of Gaza, and found the residence he had built mainly with his own hands “is no longer a home, it is a ruin.”

He was traveling with a UN news in Gaza while assessing the extent of the damage, which left some rooms in ruins, the interior of which has been exposed to the weather.

Nevertheless, Shadi was relieved that “the bloodshed has stopped”, telling our reporter: “This is an indescribable feeling. We thank God that we survived this war unscathed. But I can’t describe the level of devastation… I don’t know what to say.”

Safe access to help is required

On the other hand, the UN World Food Program (WFP) acted quickly, with convoys entering Gaza early on Sunday from Egypt and passing through Ashdod, Israel.

The ceasefire has allowed the organization to deliver urgently needed food on an unprecedented scale, aimed at ending hunger in the war-torn region, the organization said in a press release.

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain emphasized the critical nature of this program, saying that the organization’s goal is to bring at least 150 food trucks to Gaza every day.

“After 15 months of war, we need all border crossings to remain open and functioning efficiently, effectively and reliably. And we need aid groups to be able to move freely and safely in Gaza to reach those in need.”

Life’s challenges ahead

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed its support for the ceasefire and highlighted the major health challenges that still await.

The conflict has left a terrible toll: more than 46,600 people have died, more than 110,000 have been injured, and the health system has been shattered, the agency said in a press release.

The WHO has emphasized the urgent need for billions of investments to restore the health infrastructure, calling for the unwavering commitment of donors and the international community.

The UN health agency and its partners plan to implement a 60-day program that focuses on suffering and emergency care, primary health care, child health, and other critical areas.

“WHO calls on all parties to uphold their commitment to fully implement the ceasefire agreement and to continue working towards a political solution to address the ongoing crisis in the Palestinian Territory, which is essential for lasting peace.” said the organization.

Focus on women and girls

UN Women also welcomed the cease-fire agreement and the release of hostages, expressing hope that all parties will honor their commitments to pave the way for lasting peace for women and girls in Palestine, Israel, and the region.

“The news of the ceasefire brings relief to the 1 million women and girls who have been bombarded, without safety in Gaza for the past 470 days,” the organization said in a statement.

The agency stressed the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and reaffirmed its commitment to working with women’s organizations and families in Gaza to fight for inclusive recovery efforts, rights, safety and dignity.

While these efforts represent an important step forward, the road to recovery is fraught with challenges, UN Women said, urging all parties to participate in a ceasefire and facilitate the delivery of aid in a safe and effective manner.