Gaza-Israel: How the Ceasefire Continues and International Reactions
Truce in Gaza: Israeli hostages return home, humanitarian aid enters the Strip. International reactions and future challenges
Gaza-Israel: How the Ceasefire Continues and International Reactions
On the first day of the truce in Gaza, Israel and Hamas carried out a significant prisoner exchange, rekindling hopes for a possible détente in the conflict. Israel freed 90 prisoners, including Palestinian women and children, while Hamas released the first three Israeli women captured during the assault on October 7, 2023.
The Israeli hostages – Emily Damari, Doron Steinbracher and Romi Gonen – were handed over to the Red Cross and welcomed in Tel Aviv, where they were reunited with their families. Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, thousands of displaced people are returning to their homes, and Trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered through the Rafah crossing, which had been closed since May.
International reactions: from China to Italy
La China welcomed the entry into force of the truce, calling for a permanent ceasefire and a stable solution for the Middle East. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said: “We will continue to work with the international community to promote peace.".
Italy, through Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, also underlined the need to stabilize the truce.Now is the time to strengthen peace and get aid to the Palestinian population. We must return to promoting the Abraham Accords and think about an Arab-led interposition mission, with the support of the UN.“, said the minister.
The release of 69 Palestinian women and 21 teenagers
Among the 90 Palestinian prisoners released, Hamas said, were 69 women and 21 teenage boys, mostly from the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem. Most of the prisoners were released from Ofer prison, located near Ramallah, and were greeted by cheering crowds.
One particularly notable release was that of Khalida Jarrar, a Palestinian political leader from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Jarrar, 62, had been held under administrative detention since 2023, a practice that allows Israel to hold prisoners without trial, and which has been harshly criticized by human rights organizations.
“We are grateful for this freedom, but the pain for the many Palestinian martyrs remains unbearable,” said Jarrar, welcomed by her family in Ramallah.
Aid to Gaza: “There is no time to waste”
Le United Nations has confirmed the arrival of over 630 trucks of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, including 300 heading north, one of the areas hardest hit by the bombing. Tom Fletcher, the UN's humanitarian chief, said: “After 15 months of incessant war, the humanitarian needs are staggering".
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of remove political and logistical obstacles to aid delivery, while the authorities of the World Health Organization highlighted the complexity that will arise in restoring an adequate health system, devastated by the bombings.
Tension in the exchange: a prisoner not released by Israel
Hamas reported that one of the prisoners envisaged in the deal was not released by IsraelThe Palestinian group said it was in contact with mediators and the Red Cross to ensure compliance with the agreement. Those released included 69 women, one minor, and several men convicted of minor crimes.
Emily Damari: “Happier than ever after liberation”
Among the three freed Israeli women, Emily Damari, 28, expressed her joy in a post on social media: “I am back with my loved ones, I am happier than ever. Thanks to all those who fought for my freedom“The young woman, injured during the Hamas attack, managed to return home after weeks of captivity.
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