Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to expedite humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza following the recent Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt. Macron expressed satisfaction with the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the release of 20 Israeli hostages by the Palestinian group.
According to Anadolu Agency, Macron stated that all hostages had been freed and that aid operations in Gaza had commenced with "greater intensity than planned." He emphasized that France, in collaboration with the US and Israel, would ensure the uninterrupted delivery of aid to the region, with efforts set to intensify from Tuesday.
Macron also announced an upcoming humanitarian aid conference for Gaza as part of the initial phase of the ceasefire. He mentioned that in the subsequent phase, funds would be allocated to swiftly initiate the stabilization and reconstruction of Gaza.
Additionally, Macron addressed ongoing uncertainties surrounding Gaza's administration, noting that the UN Security Council had reached a consensus involving the Palestinian Authority and other states to work towards a resolution. He indicated that technical discussions on Hamas's disarmament were imminent.
The announcement follows US President Donald Trump's revelation of an agreement between Israel and Hamas on a phased plan introduced on September 29. The plan outlines a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, with the first phase taking effect last Friday.
The second phase of the plan includes establishing a new governing mechanism in Gaza, forming a multinational force, and disarming Hamas. Earlier on Monday, the release of Palestinians detained in Israeli jails commenced following the release of the Israeli captives by Hamas.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of over 67,800 Palestinians in Gaza, the majority of whom were women and children, leaving the area largely uninhabitable.