Hostage Exchange and Humanitarian Concerns in Gaza – As part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, Hamas has released three more hostages today while Israel has freed 183 Palestinian prisoners in return.
US President Joe Biden has proposed relocating displaced Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan. However, residents of these countries strongly oppose idea expressing solidarity with Gazans but rejecting forced resettlement.
On Saturday, Hamas released French-Israeli citizen Ofer Calderon and Israeli citizen Yarden Bibas in Khan Yunis. Later, American-Israeli citizen Keith Siegel was freed in Gaza City. The Red Cross facilitated the handover of the three hostages. Israel released 183 Palestinian detainees from Ofra prison, fulfilling its part of the deal.
Beyond the prisoner exchange, several wounded Palestinians are waiting to travel to Egypt for medical treatment. Their departure depends on Israeli approval to cross via the Rafah border. Last year, Israeli authorities had shut down this crossing in May.
In a separate move US President Donald Trump proposed that Egypt and Jordan take in displaced Gazans. However, both countries rejected the idea. Egyptians gathered at the Rafah border on Friday, protesting against the proposal. They emphasized their support for Gazans but refused to accept forced relocation calling it an unjust measure.
Despite the ceasefire humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains severe. UNICEF has raised concerns about the mental health of children who have endured 15 months of war.
Many have lost loved ones, homes, and any sense of security. Organization has intensified efforts to provide relief, sending 350 aid trucks last week. Supplies include nutritious food, vaccines, winter clothing, and shelter materials.
Clean water remains a major challenge. Many families must travel long distances to collect drinking water, which is often unsafe for children.
UNICEF is working to address this by supplying cement pipes and fuel for generators. However, basic services like healthcare and sanitation remain scarce.
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To help Gaza’s children recover, urgent mental health support is needed. Trauma of war, bombings, and displacement has left lasting scars. UNICEF calls for global cooperation to provide psychological care and long-term assistance ensuring a better future for Gaza’s next generation.
