Layla Angela Bautista
Israel and Hamas have reached a deal on a short-term ceasefire after years of conflict as Gazans look to the future of rebuilding their homeland.
Over 46,600 people have been killed and an estimated 110,000 injured since October 2023. Within the number of people injured, 30,000 face drastic life-changing injuries, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The deal, mediated by the US, Qatar and Egypt, came into force on January 19th and will follow a six-week plan. While Gazans celebrated on the streets amid the extensive damage in the Gaza Strip, officials were briefed on the deal.
According to Reuters, Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from Gaza, and displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return to the north of their country. Both sides will exchange hostages.
But after 15 months of terror, the looming question remains: How will Gaza be rebuilt?
The Destruction of Gaza
More than $10 billion is required to restore Gaza’s healthcare system and prevent further loss of life, according to WHO.
Gaza continues to face threats of severe food shortages and a decimated medical system. 18 hospitals are operating, while medical personnel have been killed and wounded.
In recent months, 40 to 50 humanitarian lorries have reached Gaza. Dr Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative, said their “target” is to get “between 500 and 600 trucks” into Gaza each day of the ceasefire.
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research reported that 66% of structures in the Gaza Strip have been damaged. Out of 163,788 damaged structures, 52,564 have been destroyed.
“Donald Trump has expressed skepticism”
After months of airstrikes, agricultural damage has also been severe, with 70% of greenhouses and tree crops desecrated, according to He Yin, Head of the Remote Sensing and Land Science Lab at Kent State University.
Despite the relief many are feeling, US President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism over how long the ceasefire will last. He also labeled the Gaza Strip a “demolition site.”
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: “Our priority now must be to ease the tremendous suffering caused by this conflict.”
The first phase is now underway, and if the ceasefire continues, two more stages will follow. Negotiations are expected to reopen after the first phase.
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Featured image courtesy of Tomer Texler via Unsplash . No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.
