The recent ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, which began on 19 January 2025, is bringing a significant influx of relief supplies. Over the first two days, a total of 1,545 trucks- more than the daily expected number of 600– have entered Gaza, carrying vital materials such as flour, and fuel. Quite a few thousand more are lined up at the Egypt-Gaza border, awaiting clearance.
This ceasefire offers a crucial opportunity to help people who now suffer from the consequences of the recent war between Israel and Hamas. Notably, food prices had declined considerably, bringing some relief to local people. However, the distribution effort faces difficulties because the region’s infrastructure has been badly damaged due to Israel’s Bombardment, and there continue to be security concerns. Two days after Hamas police units resumed their former duties, the situation is slowly improving.
At the same time the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the largest aid organization in both Gaza and the West Bank, is encountering a new danger of operation-like setbacks due to Israeli legislation. previously Israel banned UNRAW in the region and United Nations Secretary Antonio Guterres said “I call on Israel to act consistently with its obligations under the Charter of the international law. National legislation cannot alter those obligations.”
But political tensions continue beneath the ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has internal opposition from the far-right ministers including Itamar Ben-Gvir as well as potentially Bezalel Smotrich, who oppose the ceasefire agreement. Former President Donald Trump might also lose interest if the ceasefire fails after having backed it; this could have implications for phase two of the plans, which calls for returning all hostages and cessation of armed conflict. The intricate politics in Israel and between Netanyahu and Trump together with the broader geopolitical landscape point towards an uncertain fate for the ceasefire.
Another Hamas leader expressed readiness to meet President Trump on Tuesday, just as he himself has expressed concern over whether Gaza will hold together. This comes amid Israeli military actions in the West Bank it has named ‘Operation Iron Wall.’ Trump, who is not convinced the ceasefire will last, commented that “Hamas would be weakened by the IDF.” Hamas has attributed credit to Trump for its recent cease-fire deal that exchanged Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The prison-exchange agreement calls for a phased release of hostages and prisoners with further talks planned. The IDF’s operation in Jenin seeks to “uproot terrorism,” although there have been heavy casualties.
On the ground, Palestinian refugees are returning to Gaza and supplies have increased dramatically, bringing a glimmer of hope amid the continuing turmoil. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, pressed Israeli forces to use “maximum restraint” after a significant military operation in Jenin left at least eight Palestinians dead and 35 injured. According to The Guardian, Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel said that the operation aimed at stronger security. At the same time, Israel’s chief of staff, Lt Gen Herzi Halevy, and Maj Gen Yaron Finkelman have resigned, taking the blame for security breaches when Hamas struck on October 7.
As events in Gaza continue to progress, the world keeps watch. It is recognized that the cease-fire there is one of extreme delicacy, and this is monitored by an international community with implications for regional stability and humanitarian aid.
