UNRWA chief says Gaza ceasefire to provide 'much-needed respite' to enclave's people

UNRWA chief says Gaza ceasefire to provide 'much-needed respite' to enclave's people

Philippe Lazzarini urges swift, unhindered aid to tackle humanitarian crisis in Gaza

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) – The head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) on Sunday welcomed the Gaza cease-fire and hostage swap deal, describing it as a vital step toward easing the suffering of the enclave's population.

"I welcome the announcement about the cease-fire in Gaza. Many have been hoping for this moment for the past 15 months," Philippe Lazzarini said on X after the agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect.

"This agreement will finally bring much needed respite for the people of Gaza and the release of hostages," he said, adding, "What’s needed is rapid, unhindered & uninterrupted humanitarian access and supplies to respond to the tremendous suffering caused by this war."

The cease-fire, delayed by Israeli claims that Hamas had failed to release a list of captives, began at 11.15 a.m. local time (0915GMT) on Sunday, after initially being scheduled for 8.30 a.m.

After a nearly three-hour delay, the agreement finally took effect, with Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, handing over the three Israeli captives to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza City. As part of the agreement, 90 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons were expected to be released on the first day of the ceasefire.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, nearly 47,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed, with over 110,700 injured in what Palestinian officials have called Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, according to local health authorities.

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