By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Humanitarian aid trucks have finally entered Gaza following the initiation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, according to the United Nations.
The trucks, loaded with critical supplies, began crossing the Rafah border minutes after the truce took effect. “A massive effort has been underway over the past days… to prepare aid across all of Gaza,” stated UN aid official Jonathan Whittall.
However, the human cost of the conflict continues to rise. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that at least 46,913 Palestinians have died and over 110,000 others have been wounded since the conflict began in October 2023.
Despite the ceasefire, violence continues in some areas. Early reports indicate that Israeli attacks have killed at least 26 Palestinians in Gaza in the hours leading up to the truce, and at least eight more were killed shortly after the ceasefire began. The ceasefire itself faced delays, as Israel demanded a list of hostages to be released under the truce terms.
As international efforts continue to push for peace, Pope Francis urged that the ceasefire be respected immediately to allow for greater humanitarian aid and the return of hostages.
Similarly, the UK government expressed relief at the anticipated release of a British-Israeli hostage under the truce deal.
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