Gaza: The first shipment of Qatari humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip via the Erez (Beit Hanoun) crossing early Monday as thousands of Palestinians began to return to the north of the enclave, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said. A ministry statement revealed that the shipment was allowed into the region through the terminal at the northern edge of the Gaza Strip from Jordan. This aid is part of Qatar's commitment to support the Palestinian people during the challenging humanitarian conditions they are currently experiencing.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Qatari humanitarian aid amounted to 2,600 tons. The movement of tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians back to northern Gaza began under a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, which took effect on January 19 between the Palestinian group Hamas and Israel. The return of residents was facilitated hours after Qatar mediated an agreement between Hamas and Israel, under which the Palestinian group agreed to release female Israeli captive Arbel Yehud and two others by Friday.
The initial six-week phase of the ceasefire agreement started on January 19, halting Israel's military operations that have resulted in over 47,000 Palestinian casualties, mostly women and children, and injuries to more than 111,000 people since October 7, 2023. Seven Israeli captives, including four soldiers, have been released in exchange for 290 Palestinian prisoners since the agreement was enacted.
The Israeli offensive has led to more than 11,000 people missing, causing extensive destruction and a humanitarian crisis that has severely affected elderly people and children. This situation is considered one of the worst global humanitarian disasters in recent history. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.