Hope rolls into Gaza as hundreds of aid trucks cross the border amidst a fragile ceasefire! 🚛🌟
The United Nations reports that a whopping 915 aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip on Monday, marking the second day of a much-needed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after 15 months of intense conflict.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), data from Israel and ceasefire guarantors—the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt—show a significant increase in humanitarian assistance reaching the Palestinian enclave. On Sunday, around 630 aid trucks made their way in, with at least 300 headed to the northern regions where people are bracing for a potential famine. 🍞💔
The ceasefire agreement is a glimmer of hope, mandating that 600 truckloads of aid enter Gaza daily during the initial six-week truce, including 50 trucks carrying much-needed fuel. Half of these shipments are destined for northern Gaza, aiming to alleviate the dire situation.
Data from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) shows that in December, 2,892 aid trucks entered Gaza. These supplies are handed over to the UN on the Gaza side of the border for distribution to those in need.
However, the journey of aid isn't without bumps. Distribution efforts have faced challenges due to gangs and looters. OCHA noted that while an average of 72 aid truckloads per day were picked up in December, the daily average dropped to 51 between January 1 and January 5. 😟
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire. Israel's bombardment has devastated much of the region, displacing the 2.3 million pre-war population multiple times. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres labeled the situation as \"catastrophic.\"
Addressing the UN Security Council on Monday, Guterres highlighted the immense challenges ahead. He called for rapid, safe, and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid. \"Visas, permits, and other enabling conditions must be in place quickly to allow a surge of desperately needed relief,\" he urged. \"We require the necessary technical, protective, and communications equipment.\"
Guterres appealed to both Israel and Hamas to facilitate humanitarian operations effectively. \"This also includes the restoration of public order and safety to prevent the looting of humanitarian supplies,\" he added.
He also called on countries to accept patients needing medical treatment, ensure sufficient commercial supplies enter Gaza, and work on removing explosive ordnance. 🏥🕊️
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on both sides. Israel reports that approximately 1,200 people were killed by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack that ignited the conflict. Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry states that over 47,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since the war began.
As the ceasefire holds, there's a collective hope that this truce will pave the way for lasting peace and much-needed relief for the people of Gaza. ✨🤲
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
