United Nations: Increasing the flow of aid to Gaza in light of enormous complications

At the bi-weekly press conference of UN agencies in Geneva, Laerke added: “We will all remember Sunday, January 19, with relief. After a long wait, aid began to enter Gaza on a large scale. Finally, more hostages were released to return to their families. Finally, Palestinian women and minors were released from detention.”.

He stressed that now is a time of tremendous hope – fragile but vital, warning that no one should underestimate the complications that await them, including the removal of rubble and explosive remnants of war.

He stated that they are working with the guarantors of the agreement and Israel to bring in supplies, and are dealing on the ground with local authorities and communities.

Exploit the opportunity

A spokesman for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said: “We must make the most of this opportunity, and we will. Hunger is widespread, people are homeless, illness and injury are widespread, children are separated from their families, and a cloud of deep psychological trauma hangs over Gaza.”.

He added that priorities include providing food aid, opening bakeries, providing health care, resupplying hospitals, repairing water networks, providing the necessary materials to repair shelters, and initiating family reunification.

He stressed the need to protect all civilians, including aid workers. Larke noted that no looting of trucks or attacks against humanitarian workers were reported during the first two days of the ceasefire.