A humanitarian pause has been implemented in the Gaza Strip as of 7 am local time today, following a period of intense Israeli occupation aggression that has resulted in a devastating loss of life and widespread destruction. Since October 7, over 15,000 individuals, including 6,150 children and more than 4,000 women, have tragically lost their lives, with at least 36,000 others sustaining injuries.
The four-day humanitarian pause, which may be extended, aims to address the urgent needs of the people in Gaza. As part of this pause, up to 150 female and child detainees will be released from Israeli occupation prisons, and much-needed humanitarian aid and fuel supplies will be delivered to the besieged territory.
In the lead-up to the ceasefire, the Israeli occupation forces intensified their airstrikes across the northern, central, and southern regions of Gaza. These airstrikes targeted schools that were providing shelter to displaced civilians, hospitals, and homes, resulting in numerous casualties. The Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) reported that the airstrikes caused significant damage and loss of life.
Following the pause, Palestinian emergency and rescue teams will work tirelessly to retrieve the bodies of victims trapped under the rubble of destroyed houses. It is estimated that around 7,000 people are currently missing, including over 4,700 children and women. These distressing numbers further highlight the atrocities committed by the occupying forces over the course of the 48-day period. Hussein Al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, expressed gratitude for the humanitarian pause agreement and acknowledged the efforts of Qatar and Egypt in facilitating this development.
President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian leadership welcome the humanitarian pause and join in the call for a comprehensive halt to the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people. They emphasize the urgent need for the entry of humanitarian and relief aid into the Palestinian enclave. Additionally, they stress the importance of a political solution based on international legitimacy, which would lead to the end of the occupation and the realization of the Palestinian people’s long-awaited freedom, independence, and sovereignty.
This significant development marks a crucial step towards providing much-needed relief to the people of Gaza. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes for a lasting resolution that ensures the well-being and security of all individuals in the region.
Source: TimesKuwait
