Ceasefire Effects and Rebuilding Gaza
Thousands Return Home
After the devastating 15-month war, thousands of displaced Palestinians returned home. Their homes were destroyed, with only rubble left. Rana Mohsen, a 43-year-old mother, reflected on her return home, stating, “There is nothing left of the house, only rubble, but it is our house.”
Reconstruction Efforts
To begin rebuilding Gaza, authorities aim to increase humanitarian aid. The agreement includes the entry of 600 aid trucks per day, including 50 fuel trucks. The first day of the truce saw 260 aid trucks and 16 fuel trucks entering Gaza.
Rebuilding Healthcare Infrastructure
The war resulted in significant damage to healthcare infrastructure. The World Health Organization warns that rebuilding the health system will be a difficult task requiring “systematic access” to the territory. The organization’s director, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stresses that “reestablishing the health system in Gaza will be a complex and difficult task.”
Prisoner Releases and Hostage Returns
The truce includes the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners and 236 exiled prisoners. Additionally, 33 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, will be returned in the first 42-day phase of the truce.
Global Support for the Ceasefire
The United States, Qatar, and Egypt played crucial roles in mediating the ceasefire agreement. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres praises the agreement, stating, “It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant political and security obstacles that hinder the delivery of aid in Gaza.”
Path to Lasting Peace
The ceasefire raises hopes for a lasting peace in Gaza. However, challenges remain. The agreement includes the release of hostages in the first phase, with the release of the remaining hostages and the rebuilding of Gaza to follow in subsequent phases.
Victims of the Conflict
The war has claimed thousands of lives, with at least 46,913 Palestinian lives lost and 1,210 Israeli lives lost, most of whom were civilians. The international community acknowledges the immense human suffering, with organizations like the UN playing a vital role in delivering humanitarian aid and facilitating the rebuilding process.