Why Are Palestinians Moving North After the Gaza Ceasefire?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
United Nations, Oct 11 (NationPress) Just moments after the ceasefire in Gaza was announced, displaced Palestinians began to move northward, according to reports from UN humanitarian workers.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicated that Israeli tanks had blocked Al Rashid Road along the coast as individuals attempted to travel north in response to the ceasefire declaration, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"Some individuals who have successfully reached Gaza City have reported that their homes have suffered even more damage," stated OCHA.
The office confirmed that the UN and its humanitarian partners are prepared to swiftly enhance their humanitarian efforts.
"After two years of conflict, urgent rehabilitation of Gaza's infrastructure is necessary to facilitate recovery," OCHA remarked, urging all leaders supporting the ceasefire to ensure the conditions for unhindered humanitarian operations.
It was emphasized that all parties involved in the conflict must enable the swift and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in need. "Aid must be delivered at scale so that the UN and its partners can reach everyone requiring assistance and reduce suffering," OCHA noted.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, mentioned that discussions are ongoing with Israeli authorities to clarify what aid the UN and its partners can deliver to Gaza, the volume, and the access points.
"The significant change from yesterday to today (Thursday to Friday) is the apparent cessation of gunfire," Dujarric explained, adding that this creates a safer environment for humanitarian operations.
"We are working through the established systems to expedite aid delivery that is already prepared to enter Gaza," he stated.
UN humanitarian representatives revealed on October 3 that nearly 170,000 metric tonnes of aid and supplies are ready for delivery.