Today marks the final day of the current ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Hamas has released 38 hostages during the 42-day truce, while Israel has exchanged 1,700 Palestinian prisoners.
Negotiations are set to begin for the second stage where hopes of a permanent ceasefire can be agreed along with the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Palestinians hang decorations next to their destroyed homes in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)CEO of Action Aid Karol Balfe has said there is a desperate need for humanitarian aid.
“This phase is really, really critical,” she said.
“There are remaining hostages and prisoners - and also there’s an absolute desperate need for a humanitarian aid.
“Some of the aspects of Phase Two are a little bit unclear, but we know that it is a crucial part of beginning to look at a long-term solution.
“The people of Gaza cannot go back to war.”
Escalation in the occupied West Bank
Ms Balfe also said there has been an escalation of activity in the occupied West Bank.
“We were supposed to see the beginning of the withdrawal from the Israeli forces from the Philadelphi Corridor – that hasn’t happened yet, that has to be part of Phase Two,” she said.
“And we’re very concerned as well that while this ceasefire is very connected with what’s happening in the West Bank, we’ve seen an escalation in the West Bank.
“We’ve seen tanks in the West Bank for the first time in 20 years, so we really need to see this pressure hold.”
Israeli tanks drive towards the occupied West Bank of Jenin camp, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)Tanks moved into the occupied West Bank in late February after Israel ordered troops not to allow Palestinians to return there.
It is the first time Israel has sent tanks to the area in 20 years, since a major uprising by Palestinians known as the Second Intifada that took place from 2000 to 2005.
Main image: Palestinians gather to attend the Friday prayers at the Great Omari Mosque, which was damaged during the Israeli military's air and ground operation in Gaza City, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)
