15 months of war in Gaza and the humanitarian recovery

Translated by Irene Cecchi

On January 19th 2025 the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel became effective, spreading hope to the millions of children and families devastated by more than 15 months of war. The situation in Gaza, worsened after October the 7th 2023, was the stage for the death and injury of tens of thousands of children, among the thousand of them who were kept hostages and held from their families. More than 14.000 children died and more than 26.000 were seriously injured, and the population had to suffer bombing, displacements and lack of food, water and medicine.

Currently, 3.3 million people in Palestine urgently need humanitarian aid. In Gaza, more than 90% of the population had to continuously displace and half of the population suffered hunger and food insecurity. Despite the ceasefire, families hope that both parties respect the agreement so that they can start the recovery and rebuild process. Up to 95% of schools in Gaza were destroyed or heavily damaged; thanks to UNICEF and its partners safe spaces for teaching were built inside the camps so that children could keep studying.

When the ceasefire was implemented, essential aid was sent including food, water, medicine, hygiene kits and psychological and educational support. More than 1300 trucks of aid are ready to be sent and 700 more on hold. Catherine Russell, Director General at UNICEF, said that it is crucial to act fast to save lives and help children heal. UNICEF asked both parties to guarantee the unlimited access for humanitarian aid so that all families and children can benefit from it.

According to Francesco Sacchi, EMERGENCY’s mission chief in Gaza, the situation is still dramatic and they’ll be back to normal only after a long and difficult process. Also going back to the North of Gaza seems problematic since the majority of the territory is completely destroyed. EMERGENCY is an ONG engaged in basic humanitarian aid, with clinics in different areas such as al-Mawasi and al-Qarara, where they provide medical and surgical assistance to children and women.

From a political point of view, the ceasefire agreement was reached thanks to the shared interest between Biden and Trump’s administrations. The agreement, even if fragile, may give humanitarian relief and pave the way to a resolution of the issues like security and Israel's threat at the borders.

The ceasefire in Gaza means hope but it’s still fragile. It’s fundamental that all parties respect international humanitarian rights all along the process so that the ceasefire can become permanent. With all essential services collapsed, resources and firm answers are necessary to face the dramatic conditions in Gaza. People affected by the conflict now need urgent aid, water, food, medicine and distraction for the kids. Humanitarian aid has to keep on arriving there to ensure the population can go through their current life conditions.

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