Children in Gaza celebrate the ceasefire. Gaza: hostages freed, humanitarian aid expanded Peace and Security
The UN Secretary-General on Monday welcomed the release of all remaining hostages from Gaza. Aid agencies say life-saving supplies are now flowing into the devastated sector in large quantities.
Release the hostages
António Guterres expressed “deep relief” at the release of hostages who were taken two years ago during the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas and other armed groups in Israel on October 7, 2023. The UN chief recalled that these people had suffered “immense suffering.”
Gaza Peace Summit
The Secretary-General arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to participate in the Gaza Peace Summit, in which A number of world leaders are attending. The international meeting was convened after Israeli troops were partially withdrawn from Gaza in accordance with an agreement between Israel and Hamas brokered by the United States, Qatar and Turkey. and invited “all parties to seize this moment and implement the terms of the ceasefire agreement to end the nightmare in Gaza.” Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported significant progress in the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
“The mobilization of humanitarian activities in Gaza is actively continuing,” the agency noted, explaining that Israel has approved the import of 190 thousand tons of food, medicine, shelter and other goods – 20 thousand more than previously agreed.
For the first time since March, supplies were allowed into the strip liquefied gas for cooking. In addition, “new tents for displaced families, frozen meat, fresh fruit, flour and medicine” were delivered to Gaza.
Aid workers and their partners can now move more freely “in a number of areas”, UN officials said, after months of tight restrictions by Israeli authorities. This allows stocks of medical and emergency supplies to be pre-positioned where they are needed most, as well as checking roads for explosive hazards and providing assistance to families living in flood-prone areas ahead of the winter season.
“This is just the beginning. During the first 60 days of the ceasefire, the UN and our partners will scale up operations to deliver life-saving aid and essential services to virtually every person in Gaza,” OCHA added.
Humanitarian Response Plan presented by UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, provides:
- food assistance for 2.1 million people, including food supplies, support for bakeries, restoring the livelihoods of fishermen and farmers, and cash payments to 200 thousand families;
- nutrition programs for children, adolescents and pregnant or lactating women;
- rebuilding the health system, supplying medicines, expanding emergency and maternity care, and mental health and rehabilitation services;
- water and sanitation projects for 1.4 million people;
- providing shelter for the most vulnerable families using tents and awnings;
- resumption of educational programs for 700 thousand children.
Consequences of the war
Two years of violence and continuous bombing left thousands of families homeless. The UN notes the enormous physical and psychological needs of the population.
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) emphasized that “a million children in Gaza need psychosocial support.” The war has undermined their sense of security and well-being, and many experience “severe symptoms of stress” – withdrawal, nightmares, incontinence. which can be “pressed” when the fear becomes unbearable.
“When I was afraid, I would put my hand on the button and breathe in and out deeply. It was a great relief,” said 15-year-old Anas, a participant in the program.
According to UNICEF, in 2025, eight out of ten children who completed the course had reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress.