Gaza is entering a new phase of reconstruction as a surge of humanitarian aid pours into the region. Khalil Al-Hayya, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, announced on Tuesday that efforts are now focused on rebuilding and healing the community.
“We are now entering a new phase in our noble Gaza, a phase of construction, solidarity, and removing the effects of aggression to rebuild,” Al-Hayya said in a video message. “We will rebuild Gaza, ease the pain, heal the wounds, and bring comfort to the orphans.”
Basem Naeem, another member of the political bureau, stated that residents will be able to move freely between the southern and northern parts of the Gaza Strip “in both directions” starting January 25.
Humanitarian aid is continuing to surge into Gaza, with priorities including healthcare, food, water, and shelter, as well as reopening bakeries and aiding family reunifications. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that teams visiting the Jabalia camp found people creating makeshift shelters amid the rubble.
“There is a critical lack of access to water, with all wells destroyed, and the risk of unexploded ordnance remains high,” OCHA stated. “We and our humanitarian partners are mobilizing for food and emergency shelter support.”
According to OCHA, more than 90 percent of housing units in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed over the past 15 months. “Given the scale of destruction and needs in Gaza, we are working to get vital aid to people as fast as humanly possible,” the office added.
OCHA urged UN member states and partners to ensure that aid operations are funded to meet the overwhelming needs of the people in Gaza.
When asked about the increase in aid trucks entering Gaza, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, confirmed that 915 trucks crossed into Gaza on Monday.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on January 19 after intensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The agreement’s first phase includes the release of hostages and prisoners over the course of 42 days.
Since October 7, 2023, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, leading to a humanitarian crisis and widespread destruction in Gaza. The war began when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, causing significant casualties and taking hostages. In response, Israel conducted extensive retaliatory strikes.
With reconstruction efforts underway and aid surging in, hope is rising among Gaza’s residents for a more stable and peaceful future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
