The population of Gaza exceeds two million, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees provides aid to over a million displaced individuals in 156 facilities throughout the area.

On Friday, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 200 trucks were sent from Nitzana, a town in Israel, to the Rafah crossing connecting Egypt and the Gaza Strip.

At the Gaza UNRWA reception point, 137 trucks were unloaded, making it the largest humanitarian convoy received since hostilities began on October 7th.

Furthermore, a total of 129,000 liters of fuel and four trucks of gas were transported into Gaza. In addition, a significant medical operation was conducted in the northern part of the enclave, resulting in the evacuation of 21 critically ill patients.

According to OCHA, many individuals received aid in the form of food, water, medical supplies, and other necessary humanitarian items.

Hostage release welcomed

The United Nations celebrated the freedom of 24 individuals who were previously held captive in Gaza since October 7th and reiterated their demand for the prompt and unconditional release of all hostages.

In the upcoming days, humanitarian efforts from the UN and its allies will be increased to address the needs of individuals in Gaza.

Individually, the UN’s envoy for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, released a statement in support of the beginning of the agreement’s implementation, and also expressed optimism for a prolonged ceasefire to address humanitarian concerns.

According to him, the progress resulted in the freedom of 13 Israeli hostages who were taken by Hamas and other groups, 39 Palestinians who were imprisoned by Israel, and a number of foreign workers who were held in Gaza.

Mr. Wennesland, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, anticipated further releases in the upcoming days.

A major achievement in the field of humanitarianism.

The speaker observed that the temporary ceasefire began peacefully, enabling the delivery of humanitarian supplies to Gaza.

He stated that these advancements are a momentous achievement in terms of humanitarian aid, and we must continue to progress from here. It is crucial that additional aid and resources are able to enter the Gaza Strip safely and consistently in order to ease the immense hardships faced by civilians.

He once again urged for the freedom of all captives, and praised the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States for their persistent work in helping to reach a resolution.

“I urge all involved parties to honor their obligations and avoid any actions that could hinder the complete implementation of this agreement,” he stated, while also encouraging them “to make every possible effort to reach a prolonged humanitarian ceasefire and work towards a more peaceful future.”

Source: news.un.org