On Friday morning, a four-day truce commenced in Gaza, marking a temporary pause in the 48-day-long aggression. However, reports of violations from both Israel and Hamas have already surfaced, casting uncertainty on the sustainability of the ceasefire.
This truce represents a crucial opportunity for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged strip and involves an agreement to release 50 Israeli prisoners in exchange for 150-300 Palestinian prisoners, primarily women and children. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the staggering toll of the Israeli offensive on Gaza, resulting in the loss of approximately 15,000 innocent lives, with 67% comprising women and children. Additionally, more than 31,000 civilians have been wounded, emphasizing the urgent need for a respite in the region.
UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA’s Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed the profound exhaustion and loss of hope among the people in Gaza. “They need respite, they deserve to sleep without being anxious about whether they will make it through the night. This is the bare minimum anyone should be able to have,” he stated on Thursday. The success and sustainability of the truce remain uncertain as the international community closely monitors the developments in the region.
