The Gaza Strip is embarking on a new chapter of reconstruction as humanitarian aid continues to pour in, signaling hope amidst the ongoing conflict.
Khalil Al-Hayya, a member of Hamas' political bureau, announced on Tuesday that Gaza is shifting focus to rebuilding efforts aimed at mitigating the impacts of prolonged aggression. In a heartfelt video message, 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.\"
\"We will rebuild Gaza, ease the pain, heal the wounds, and bring comfort to the orphans,\" he added, highlighting the humanitarian priorities of the new phase.
Additionally, Basem Naeem, another member of Hamas' political bureau, confirmed that residents will soon regain the ability to move freely between the southern and northern regions of the Gaza Strip. This increased mobility is set to commence on January 25, facilitating easier access to resources and family reunifications.
The influx of humanitarian aid continues to play a crucial role in Gaza's recovery. Aid shipments prioritize healthcare, food, water, and shelter, while also supporting the reopening of bakeries and aiding reunifications of separated families. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that teams visiting the Jabalia camp in North Gaza observed residents constructing makeshift shelters amidst 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.\"
The devastation in Gaza is staggering, with OCHA noting that over 90 percent of housing units have been damaged or destroyed in the past 15 months. \"Given the scale of destruction and needs in Gaza, we are working to get vital aid to people as fast as humanly possible,\" the organization emphasized.
UN officials are urging member states and partners to increase funding for aid operations to meet the overwhelming needs of Gaza's residents. Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, reported that 915 aid trucks entered Gaza on Monday alone, following the agreed ceasefire-for-hostages deal brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States on January 15. This ceasefire, which began on January 19, outlines a three-phase process involving the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, the conflict between Hamas and Israel has resulted in the deaths of approximately 47,000 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza. The war ignited when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, resulting in around 1,200 Israeli fatalities and the capture of approximately 250 hostages. In retaliation, Israel has conducted extensive military strikes, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
As rebuilding efforts commence, the international community remains committed to supporting Gaza's path toward recovery, striving to address the urgent needs of its residents and restore a sense of normalcy amid the devastation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
