A displaced Palestinian makes his way past rubble, as Palestinians attempt to return to their homes, following a delay in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas over the hostage list, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip January 19, 2025. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled

Palestinians pray in front of the rubble after returning to their devastated neighborhood, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, January 19, 2025. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas

Displaced Palestinians make their way past rubble, as they attempt to return to their homes, following a delay in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas over the hostage list, in the northern Gaza Strip, January 19, 2025. REUTERS/Khalil Ramzi

WORLD

Gaza Ceasefire Brings 'Much-Needed Hope': UN Migration Agency

19/01/2025 09:56 PM

ISTANBUL, Jan 19 (Bernama-AA) -- The United Nations (UN) migration agency said the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza brings "much-needed hope," as the pause in fighting began on Sunday following months of conflict, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.

"The Gaza ceasefire brings much-needed hope, offering a chance to reunite families and begin rebuilding shattered lives," International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Director-General Amy Pope said on X.

She said the scale of humanitarian needs in Gaza is "staggering," and called for "urgent, unified" efforts and large-scale support at all levels.

The ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement took effect at 0915GMT on Sunday, delayed from its scheduled time of 0630GMT after Israel accused Hamas of delaying the release of a captives list.

Israel's relentless attacks for the last 15 months have devastated Gaza, with local health authorities reporting nearly 47,000 deaths and over 110,700 injuries, predominantly among women and children.

-- BERNAMA-AA

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