CAIRO (AP) — Preparations were underway on Sunday for a significant ramp-up of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip following a new ceasefire agreement. This deal has sparked hopes of ending the two-year-long conflict that has devastated the region.
The Israeli defense body responsible for humanitarian aid in Gaza, COGAT, announced that aid deliveries are set to increase to approximately 600 trucks per day as per the terms of the ceasefire agreement. On the same day, Egypt is expected to send 400 trucks loaded with medical supplies, tents, blankets, food, and fuel across the Rafah crossing into Gaza. However, these trucks must first undergo inspections by Israeli forces before entering.
Footage from the Associated Press captured dozens of trucks crossing into the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing. Due to ongoing fighting and strict Israeli restrictions, the United Nations and its partners have only been able to deliver about 20% of the aid required in Gaza in recent months. Escalating Israeli offensives and restrictions on humanitarian aid have exacerbated a hunger crisis, resulting in famine-like conditions in various parts of the territory.
The United Nations has indicated that it has around 170,000 metric tons of food, medicine, and other humanitarian aid prepared to enter Gaza upon receiving the necessary clearance from Israeli authorities.
Another aspect of this ceasefire deal involves the uncertain future of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli and U.S.-backed contractor that took over as the primary food supplier in Gaza in May. Reports indicate that food distribution sites operated by GHF in Rafah and central Gaza have been dismantled following the ceasefire deal, which has led to confusion and chaos among the local Palestinian population. Many residents expressed concern about the dismantling of these sites, stating that food distribution has ceased entirely in recent days.
On the other hand, preparations were also being made for the imminent release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel. A message from Gal Hirsch, Israel's coordinator for the Hostages and Missing, indicated that families of hostages should prepare for their loved ones’ release starting Monday morning. It is estimated that about 20 of the 48 hostages held by Hamas and other Palestinian factions are still alive and are expected to be released shortly.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who played a crucial role in facilitating the ceasefire, is scheduled to visit Israel on Monday morning. Trump plans to meet families of the hostages before heading to Egypt, where he will co-chair a "peace summit" with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, attended by regional and international leaders.
Timing for the release of roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel is still pending. This group includes individuals serving life sentences as well as many who have been detained without charge throughout the conflict. Dr. Mounir al-Boursh, the Director General of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, warned that many of the released prisoners would require urgent medical treatment.
As the ceasefire takes hold, there has been a gradual return of Palestinians to areas previously vacated due to the Israeli military presence. Satellite images show vehicles moving towards Gaza City, though many are returning to homes that have been reduced to rubble. Residents have begun camping along the coastal areas of Gaza City as a precaution against potential future bombings.
The ongoing two-year conflict began with a surprise attack by Hamas-led militants on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to significant casualties and prompting a harsh Israeli military response that has reportedly claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives, a figure that includes a substantial number of non-combatants. This conflict has also displaced approximately 90% of Gaza's 2 million residents, causing widespread destruction and triggering international condemnation against Israel, including allegations of genocide, which Israel has categorically denied.
Although there is cautious optimism regarding the initial halt to hostilities and plans for the release of hostages, key questions regarding Gaza's governance and the future of Hamas remain unresolved. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on his social media platform that the military is planning to commence operations aimed at destroying the network of tunnels built by Hamas once the hostages are released, under an international mechanism to be led by the U.S.
