Despite the ceasefire declared on 19 January 2025, Israel continues its relentless assault on Gaza, depriving Palestinians of essential resources and subjecting them to unbearable living conditions. The UN has raised alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis, highlighting the massive destruction and deepening food insecurity.

Returning from Gaza, where he witnessed the devastation firsthand, Jorge Moreira da Silva, Director-General of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), called on 13 February for urgent efforts to transition into an early recovery phase. "Beyond the immense human suffering, I have seen unimaginable levels of destruction—homes reduced to rubble, infrastructure obliterated, and an overwhelming volume of debris," he stated.

The ceasefire has momentarily paused Israel’s war on Gaza, which has claimed over 48,200 lives—mostly women and children—while leaving the besieged territory in ruins. Before the ceasefire, the blockade had already pushed Gaza’s population to the brink of famine, with severe food shortages and a collapsing health system. The situation remains dire, particularly in northern Gaza, where humanitarian access has drastically deteriorated since September 2024.

In a statement, the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas confirmed that its delegation, led by chief negotiator Khalil al-Haya, met with mediators to discuss the implementation of the agreement. The negotiating team stressed the urgent need to deliver shelters, prefabricated homes, tents, heavy equipment, medical supplies, fuel, and humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanou accused Israel of obstructing the agreement’s terms and condemned the threats issued by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He warned that their intimidation tactics only complicated the ceasefire's implementation.

The ceasefire deal, initially delayed due to Israeli violations, is now set to resume, with Hamas confirming it will proceed with the agreed prisoner exchange on Saturday. Meanwhile, Egypt and Qatar have announced that the final obstacles to the truce have been overcome.

For 18 years, Israel has turned Gaza into the world’s largest open-air prison, enforcing a suffocating blockade that has forced nearly two million of its 2.3 million residents into displacement. The blockade has deliberately restricted access to food, water, and medicine, intensifying the humanitarian catastrophe.