Gaza is transitioning into a new phase focused on reconstruction and healing after recent hostilities, according to senior Hamas officials. Khalil Al-Hayya, a member of Hamas' political bureau, announced on Tuesday that efforts are underway to remove the effects of Israeli aggression and begin rebuilding the region.
In a video message released by Hamas, Al-Hayya stated, \"We are now entering a new phase in our noble Gaza, a phase of construction, solidarity, and removing the effects of aggression to rebuild.\" He added, \"We will rebuild Gaza, ease the pain, heal the wounds, and bring comfort to the orphans.\"
Basem Naeem, another member of Hamas' political bureau, indicated that people will soon be able to move freely between the southern and northern parts of the Gaza Strip \"in both directions\" starting on January 25.
The surge of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip continues, with priorities including healthcare, food, water, shelter, opening bakeries, and aiding family reunifications. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that its teams and partners visiting the Jabalia camp in North Gaza governorate found people creating makeshift shelters amid the rubble.
\"There is also a critical lack of access to water, with all wells destroyed, and the risk of unexploded ordnance remains high,\" OCHA stated. \"We and our humanitarian partners are mobilizing for food and emergency shelter support.\"
OCHA highlighted that more than 90 percent of housing units in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed over the past 15 months, emphasizing the urgent need for aid. \"Given the scale of destruction and needs in Gaza, we are working to get vital aid to people as fast as humanly possible.\"
The office urged United Nations member states and partners to ensure that aid operations are sufficiently funded to meet the overwhelming needs of the Gazan population.
Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, confirmed an increase in aid deliveries. \"Based on information received through the Israeli authorities and the guarantors for the ceasefire agreement, 915 trucks crossed into Gaza on Monday,\" he said.
A ceasefire-for-hostages deal between Israel and Hamas was reached on January 15, following intensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The ceasefire, which began on January 19, includes three phases. The first phase, lasting 42 days, involves the release of 33 Israeli hostages, while Israel will free over 1,890 Palestinian prisoners.
The conflict between Hamas and Israel, which started on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 47,000 Palestinians, a severe humanitarian crisis, and widespread destruction in Gaza. The war began when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking approximately 250 hostages. In response, Israel conducted massive retaliatory strikes.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
