GAZA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Friday urged action to improve the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement that states should capitalize on the momentum generated by the first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas to urgently address Gaza's deteriorating humanitarian conditions.
She noted that over the past 15 weeks, the ICRC has worked with Israel, Hamas and mediators to help facilitate the return of hostages, detainees and the remains of the dead to their families, in accordance with the provisions of the first phase of the agreement.
The ICRC urged the international community to intensify efforts to ease suffering in Gaza, including the push for Israel to lift restrictions on so-called dual-use items such as water pipes and electricity generators, which are essential for restoring basic infrastructure.
"Many people in Gaza continue to live amid the rubble without access to basic services and struggle to keep warm during harsh winter conditions, while thousands of families are still waiting for news about their relatives," the statement said.
A ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel has been in effect in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 10, 2025. Its first phase included exchanges of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain areas.
The proposed second phase of the plan includes a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, the launch of reconstruction efforts, and the establishment of a transitional governing authority in the territory. ■
