Thursday marks a hopeful milestone for Gaza as the first phase of a new ceasefire kicks in at 12 p.m. local time (0900 GMT), Egypt’s state broadcaster Al-Qahera News TV reports. After three days of indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, mediators finalized the deal’s provisions and implementation steps, aiming to end weeks of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
On the ground, the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) dispatched its fourth humanitarian convoy to Gaza since July 27, loaded with thousands of tonnes of rice, pasta, flour, baby formula, medicines, and medical supplies. The convoy’s journey began under clear skies, crossing the Rafah crossing from the Sinai Peninsula and heading toward the Kerem Shalom checkpoint for inspection by Israeli authorities.
Behind the scenes, diplomats and negotiators have been working around the clock to iron out the final details. The first phase of the truce not only halts fighting but also sets the stage for the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, while guaranteeing safe corridors for aid deliveries into the enclave.
For young global citizens tracking how grassroots efforts intersect with geopolitics, the ERC’s operation highlights the power of coordinated humanitarian action. Over four convoys, Egypt has delivered over 5,000 tonnes of relief materials, according to Al-Qahera News TV, underscoring the logistics challenges—and triumphs—of cross-border aid in high-stakes environments.
While negotiators prepare the next draft for subsequent phases, Friday’s ceasefire window is already inspiring cautious optimism. As digital nomads and travelers planning future trips in the region watch closely, the broader question remains: can this truce pave the way for lasting peace, or is it simply a pause in a long-standing conflict?
As discussions continue, the success of the ceasefire’s first phase may set a new precedent for humanitarian cooperation and conflict resolution in the Middle East.
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Egypt says Gaza ceasefire's first phase to start at noon on Thursday
cgtn.com
