Tents and shelters are pictured at a camp for people displaced by conflict amidst the rubble of the former headquarters of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and near the Unknown Soldier Square in Gaza City. AFP
The US-brokered ceasefire, which sought to halt Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, has been in place for more than three months despite continued Israeli violations. Palestinian health authorities say Israeli strikes and fire have killed about 490 Palestinians and wounded nearly 1,400 since the truce took effect on Oct. 10, 2025.
Earlier in January, Washington announced the truce had progressed to its second phase, intended to bring a definitive end to Israel's war on the Palestinian 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," Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said in a statement.
Over the last 15 weeks, the ICRC worked with Israel, Hamas and the ceasefire mediators to help bring hostages, detainees, and the remains of the deceased back to their families, as outlined in the first phase of the agreement, Spoljaric said.
The remains of the final Israeli captive were returned earlier this week.
"These actions allowed families to be reunited with their loved ones and properly mourn those they lost. This work, however difficult, demonstrates the irreplaceable role of humanitarian steps in the long path towards peace," said Spoljaric.
"The international community must now seize every opportunity to scale up efforts that alleviate suffering in Gaza."
Spoljaric said this included Israel easing entry restrictions on so-called dual-use material and equipment, such as water pipes and generators, to restore basic infrastructure.
"Many people in Gaza are still living in the rubble without basic services, struggling to stay warm amid harsh winter conditions," the ICRC chief said.
"Thousands of families continue to wait for news about their loved ones. Hospitals, homes, schools and water systems need to be repaired, and unexploded ordnance must be cleared."
Most of the population in the Gaza Strip, a territory of more than two million people, has been displaced, with many living in tents with little or no sanitation amid harsh winter weather.
Israel’s blockade of Gaza has restricted the entry of food, fuel, medicine, winter supplies and other life-saving aid.
The UN-backed IPC declared famine in Gaza City and surrounding areas in August 2025 and warned it was spreading to other parts of the enclave. While the ceasefire has led Israel to ease some restrictions, aid groups and local officials say deliveries remain well below what is needed and access is still constrained.
"All states and parties to conflict have a responsibility to ensure the boundaries and protections enshrined in international humanitarian law are upheld," said Spoljaric.
"This is essential for saving lives, restoring human dignity and laying the foundations on which lasting peace can be built."
*This story was edited by Ahram Online.
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