Over the last 15 weeks, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) worked with Israel, Hamas and the mediators to help bring hostages, detainees, and the remains of the deceased back to their families as outlined in the first phase of the agreement. These actions allowed families to be reunited with their loved ones and properly mourn those they lost. This work, however difficult, demonstrates the irreplaceable role of humanitarian steps in the long path towards peace.
The international community must now seize every opportunity to scale up efforts that alleviate suffering in Gaza. This includes easing restrictions on so-called dual-use material and equipment such as water pipes and generators, which are essential for restoring the essential infrastructure people rely on.
Many people in Gaza are still living in the rubble without basic services, struggling to stay warm amid harsh winter conditions. Thousands of families continue to wait for news about their loved ones. Hospitals, homes, schools and water systems need to be repaired, and unexploded ordnance must be cleared.
All states and parties to conflict have a responsibility to ensure the boundaries and protections enshrined in international humanitarian law are upheld. This is essential for saving lives, restoring human dignity and laying the foundations on which lasting peace can be built.
