South Africans understand conflict’s heavy toll. Now, Gaza glimpses relief. For instance, aid trucks entering Gaza rolled in on Sunday. This follows a hard-won ceasefire. Consequently, families displaced for two years see hope for home. Facts signal progress, yet urgency persists with winter approaching.
Ceasefire Sparks Aid Flow
The truce began Friday morning. Specifically, it launches a 20-point US-brokered plan. President Donald Trump hailed it as a victory. He declared the deal “is going to hold” and everyone seems pleased. Previously, Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, igniting a war that killed thousands.
Moreover, hostage swaps drive momentum. Hamas must release living Israelis and remains of the dead by Monday midday local time. In return, Israel commits to freeing Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Gaza. The International Red Cross manages transfers. As a result, the first living hostages reach Israeli forces today for family reunions and medical care.
Dozens of Aid Trucks Entering Gaza
On Sunday, trucks crossed two key borders. At Rafah on Egypt’s side, for example, dozens delivered medical supplies, tents, blankets, food and fuel. Egypt dispatched hundreds of trucks that day alone. Meanwhile, at Kerem Shalom under Israeli control, more aid trucks entering Gaza underwent inspections before entering the south.
UN officials celebrate the shift. Notably, cooking gas arrived for the first time since March. Flour, fruit and meat followed. Additionally, officials secured access for medical gear. They also assist in moving people from flood-prone areas before rains hit. Soon, hundreds of trucks are expected daily per the deal. UNRWA holds enough food for Gaza’s 2 million people for three months. Furthermore, thousands of trucks wait in Egypt and Jordan.
World Food Programme teams cleared Gaza’s roads on Sunday. Their reserves can feed the entire population for months. However, most Gazans endured repeated displacement. Famine hit hard in August.
Summit Shapes Reconstruction Path
Today, leaders gather in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh. Over 20 nations, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, attend. First, Trump visits Israel to meet hostage families and address the Knesset. A signed war-end document is expected there.
Talks center on Gaza’s future. Notably, Hamas rejects Israel’s disarmament demand. Meanwhile, Israel plans to destroy tunnels after hostages return.
