World Health Organization commends ceasefire in Gaza conflict

The UN health agency, WHO, has commended the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, saying it is a rare opportunity to allow urgent humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave. So far, Israel and Hamas have swapped 24 Israelis and foreigners for 39 Palestinians from Israeli jails on Friday as the pause in the conflict largely takes effect…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has joined other international communities to welcome the start of a humanitarian pause in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The head of the UN health agency, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on X said the start of the humanitarian pause in Gaza would pave the way for the movement of humanitarian aid.

He added that “It’s a step in the right direction, but much more is needed as he highlighted the call for sustained ceasefire to end further civilian suffering.

Under the agreement on the four-day humanitarian pause in Gaza, 50 Israelis held by Hamas will be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails.

The process has commenced as some detainees from the two rival sides have been released.

So far, Israel and Hamas have swapped 24 Israelis and foreigners for 39 Palestinians from Israeli jails Friday.

Israel says at least 239 Israelis are being held by Hamas after a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group on Oct. 7.

Authorities in Gaza said more than 14,854 Palestinians, including 6,150 children and over 4,000 women, have been killed as Israel carried out relentless violent attacks on the enclave.