GENEVA: The international community must use the momentum created by the initial phase of the ceasefire to urgently address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Friday. She called for an end to restrictions that have plunged millions into acute hardship.
ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said that while recent prisoner exchanges had allowed some families to reunite or bury their dead, Gaza’s civilian population continues to face an ongoing fight for survival amid winter cold and widespread destruction in the besieged territory.
“States must harness the momentum generated by the first phase of the agreement between Israel and Hamas to urgently improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza,” Spoljaric said.
Over the past 15 weeks, the ICRC has worked alongside mediators to facilitate the return of prisoners and the remains of those killed. However, Spoljaric stressed that humanitarian measures are indispensable to any path towards lasting peace.
She specifically urged Israel to relax its blockade on so-called “dual-use” items — including water pipes and generators — which are critical to restoring essential services. “Many people in Gaza are still living amid rubble, without basic services, and are struggling to keep warm during harsh winter conditions,” she said.
Rafah crossing to partially reopen
After months of appeals from humanitarian groups and Palestinians, Israel announced on Friday that it would reopen the Rafah crossing on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt on Sunday, Feb 1. The crossing, a crucial conduit for humanitarian aid, has been closed since Israeli forces took control of the area.
Israeli authorities said the crossing would allow “limited movement” under the supervision of a European Union mission. Hamas had earlier demanded the reopening of Rafah and the entry of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza into the territory.
Further killings reported
Meanwhile, Israeli forces killed three more Palestinians in Gaza on Friday. Without identifying the victims, the Israeli military said additional strikes were carried out and that troops continued search operations in the area. According to Gaza’s health ministry, 492 people have been killed by Israeli fire or bombardment since the ceasefire came into effect.