GAZA: Though Israeli strikes have been less intense since the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel began in October 2025, bombs still fall every day. After US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff announced the start of the second phase of US President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza, more than 14 people were killed in the tiny coastal territory, according to the Gaza civil defence agency. Day-to-day living conditions for the vast majority of Gaza residents remain extremely precarious, with more than 80 per cent of infrastructure destroyed, according to the United Nations.
Several humanitarian and UN workers said that while the situation has improved in some areas since the ceasefire, the humanitarian response remains insufficient due to access restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities — who deny these claims. Water and electricity networks, as well as waste management, no longer function. Hospitals operate at minimal capacity when still open, and schools exist only as sporadic or marginal initiatives. All children in the Gaza Strip need psychological support after more than two years of war, according to Unicef. — AFP
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