Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Holds as Hundreds of Thousands Return to Northern Gaza
UN Warns of Critical Humanitarian Needs Amid Mass Displacement
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues to hold, allowing more than 300,000 Palestinians to return to northern Gaza from the south, according to reports. However, the humanitarian crisis remains severe, with returnees setting up makeshift shelters among the ruins of their former homes.
Mass Return to Northern Gaza
In the wake of months of intense conflict, thousands of displaced Palestinians are making their way back to northern Gaza, attempting to rebuild their lives from scratch. Al Jazeera’s on-the-ground reports describe families constructing temporary shelters on the rubble of their destroyed homes. The returnees face dire living conditions, with a severe lack of food, clean water, and medical supplies.
The United Nations has raised concerns over the ongoing humanitarian disaster, warning that “needs on the ground remain immense.” The global organization has repeatedly called for increased aid access to prevent further suffering.
Escalating Violence in the West Bank
Meanwhile, the situation in the occupied West Bank remains volatile. UN special rapporteurs and independent experts have sounded the alarm over escalating Israeli repression against Palestinians, stating that the violence shows “no end in sight.” Reports of arrests, home demolitions, and settler violence have intensified in recent weeks, further deepening the crisis in the region.
Casualty Figures and the Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
Since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, at least 47,354 Palestinians have been killed, with another 111,563 wounded, according to the latest figures. On the Israeli side, at least 1,139 people were killed during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, with more than 200 individuals taken captive.
Despite the current ceasefire, the long-term outlook for both sides remains uncertain, as international efforts push for a more lasting resolution to the conflict. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, prompting urgent calls for increased international aid and intervention.
Source : Swifteradio.com
