An atmosphere of optimism with the announcement of a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in Gaza, and the United Nations is preparing for large-scale relief.

Olga Cherevko, spokeswoman for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said that there is “A very positive and joyful atmosphere in Gaza this morning, and throughout the night, as there were whistles, cheers and celebration.”

Speaking to UN News on Thursday from the devastated sector, Cherevko stressed that urgent humanitarian priorities remain unchanged: “Reaching the most vulnerable groups with aid, we must enter relief now in sufficient quantities, and be able to get it to those in need… It is self-evident that no amount of humanitarian aid will replace peace. Therefore, this agreement is more important than ever.”

She confirmed that UN humanitarian agencies have about 170,000 metric tons of food, shelter supplies, medicines and other essential items waiting in warehouses outside Gaza.

The spokeswoman for the OCHA office explained that these materials could be loaded onto trucks and entered the Gaza Strip immediately after the ceasefire was implemented, adding that the fighting had not stopped by Thursday morning.

She said: “We look forward to learning about our role in the future and how to get this aid quickly and efficiently to the people who need it most now.”

A political path to end the occupation and achieve a two-state solution

Late on Wednesday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement of the agreement.

He urged all concerned to fully comply with its terms, and said: “All hostages must be released in a dignified manner. A permanent ceasefire must be secured. The fighting must cease once and for all. Immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies and essential commercial items into Gaza must be ensured. The suffering must end.”

He stressed that the United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement, expand the scope of aid delivery in a sustainable and principled manner, and enhance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

“After 700 days of death, destruction and despair,” There today, said General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock “Finally a ray of hope” Adding that the opportunity must be seized to fully implement the terms of the declared ceasefire agreement and end the war in Gaza.

She added that a permanent ceasefire could finally open a path to peace, “By ending Hamas’ rule in Gaza, ending the occupation, and recognizing the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, as well as the security of the State of Israel by the entire region.”

She said that the Israeli and Palestinian peoples can only live in lasting peace, security and dignity “When they live in two states, each recognizes the other and guarantees its peace, security and dignity.”

UN teams are on standby

United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher called for “Removing the hostages and increasing aid quickly,” Adding: “Our teams are fully equipped to operate trucks at scale and save lives. They need safe access.”

As for the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, he said that the agreement was finally reached on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages. “It’s a huge relief.”

He added that this would be a relief “People who survived the worst bombing, displacement, loss and grief for two long years,” Adding that after their horrific ordeal, the Palestinian hostages and detainees will finally join their families.

Mr. Lazzarini stressed that UNRWA teams in Gaza are essential for implementing the agreement, including providing basic services such as health care and education. He called on all Member States to support the Agency in carrying out its work to help those in need in the coming critical period.

World Food Program Executive Director Cindy McCain stressed that unrestricted humanitarian access is absolutely essential to providing life-saving food assistance. She said: “WFP is on the ground and ready to expand its operations, but we have to act now – we have no time to lose.”

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also welcomed the announcement of the agreement, highlighting the “dire” needs that remain for patients across Gaza. He stressed that the organization is ready to expand the scope of its work “And to support the rehabilitation of the devastated health system.”