Gaza marks 100th day of ceasefire (VIDEO)
The US-brokered Gaza ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas has lasted 100 days. Washington has announced the start of the next phase of its peace plan.
The truce, which took effect in October, was part of the first phase of a roadmap unveiled by US President Donald Trump. Its provisions included a ceasefire, hostage returns, and increased humanitarian aid to the enclave.
According to a report filed for RT on Sunday by local journalist Rami Mughari from Gaza City, some essential food items, cooking gas, and fuel have become more available over the past three months, while issues with electricity and potable water persist. Mughari also noted that while Israel still conducts strikes, the overall safety situation in the enclave has improved.
Despite the truce, both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violations. Local health authorities report that over 450 people have been killed in Gaza in Israeli strikes since October.
On Thursday, Trump announced a move to Phase Two of the plan, which includes deploying an international security force, the disarmament of Hamas, and reconstruction. He stated that he is “backing” the newly appointed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to govern during a transition.
Hamas has previously stated that it remains committed to the peace process but it has refused to surrender its arms for “as long as the [Israeli] occupation remains.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that the move to Phase Two was largely symbolic, describing the NCAG’s introduction as a “declarative move.”
