'We are ready and willing to undertake all required aspects of this operation and implement the agreement of the parties that will see families reunited across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory and deliver critical humanitarian assistance into Gaza,' says group
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Saturday that a ceasefire and release of hostages agreement between Israel and Hamas will mark "a new beginning," and it is preparing for the "significant" operation.
“The ICRC, as agreed by the parties, is preparing for a significant operation that involves the release and transfer of both hostages and detainees, as well as increased humanitarian assistance into Gaza," it said in a statement. “This operation is an emotional time for many – our focus is on completing this first phase as safely and efficiently as possible, so we can see families reunited, and critical humanitarian assistance enter Gaza and reach civilians."
It underlined that immense humanitarian needs will continue to exist after the operation and said to address them, commitments must be adhered to.
"This agreement marks a new beginning, and the coming days and weeks are critical for all involved," it added.
Regarding the operations, the ICRC said preparation involves everything from the logistics of transportation, increased personnel and distribution of supplies, as well as preparing colleagues who are receiving those released, including doctors and in-depth security planning.
"The current situation, fifteen months in, is very different to the first week-long release operation, and we are cognizant of the challenges that may exist," it said. “We are ready and willing to undertake all required aspects of this operation and implement the agreement of the parties that will see families reunited across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory and deliver critical humanitarian assistance into Gaza.”
ICRC's remarks came before the ceasefire is set to take effect at 8.30 a.m. local time (0630GMT) Sunday.
Nearly 47,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, were killed and more than 110,700 injured in Israel's genocidal war on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, according to local health authorities.
