Aid Agencies Mobilize as Gaza Ceasefire Facilitates Humanitarian Relief

Aid organizations are gearing up to deliver substantial humanitarian assistance to Gaza, following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Tess Ingram, a spokesperson for UNICEF, indicated that the scale-up in aid deliveries is expected to commence imminently.

"We have received signals that tomorrow will be the day that the scale-up [in aid deliveries] begins in earnest under the ceasefire," Ingram stated.

Ingram emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that despite the cessation of hostilities, the humanitarian crisis persists, with famine and disease spreading. She called for the reopening of all crossings from Israel into Gaza to facilitate the swift movement of aid trucks without delays.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reported having sufficient food supplies to sustain every Palestinian in Gaza for three months. Juliette Touma, UNRWA's communications director, highlighted the critical importance of aid distribution in controlling the spread of famine.

Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, humanitarian groups are preparing to send approximately 600 truckloads of food and medical supplies daily into Gaza. During the conflict, Israel had restricted entry and exit routes, leading to severe shortages of food and medicine and resulting in famine in large parts of Gaza. Aid agencies are hopeful that Israel will adhere to the agreed terms, allowing the unimpeded entry and distribution of aid in the Gaza Strip.

The Italian defense minister announced that the Rafah crossing, a crucial point between Gaza and Egypt for aid trucks and people, will reopen on Tuesday. Guido Crosetto stated that Rafah "will be opened alternately in two directions: exit towards Egypt and entry towards Gaza."

With the United Nations resuming a lead role in humanitarian assistance, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.- and Israeli-backed private contractor scheme, appears to be winding down. The program faced criticism for directing people toward food distribution sites where they were vulnerable to attacks.

The ceasefire aims to halt the famine, facilitate the release of detained individuals, and end daily bombings. Since the ceasefire, tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have begun returning to the ruins of their homes. According to Gaza’s civil defense agency, more than 500,000 people have returned to Gaza City.

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff was in Gaza to observe the Israeli military redeployment. However, concerns remain that the agreement could collapse without sustained pressure. Previous ceasefires have failed, and recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have raised fears of renewed violence.

The U.S.-led agreement aims to end the conflict in stages, addressing issues such as the disarmament of Hamas and Israel's commitment to not occupy Gaza. Hamas is obligated to release all Israeli hostages within 72 hours of the ceasefire's commencement. In return, Israel will release 250 Palestinians serving long sentences and 1,700 others held without charge. Israel's prison service has begun transferring prisoners in preparation for their release.

The list of prisoners to be released excludes high-profile figures like Marwan Barghouti. Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk stated that the group insists on the release of Barghouti and other prominent individuals and is in discussions with mediators.