ICRC READY TO SUPPORT GAZA CEASEFIRE IMPLEMENTATION, EASE SUFFERING

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas must mark a turning point after two years of unimaginable horror in Gaza. 

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric in a statement on Friday stressed that it must offer a vital chance to save lives and ease suffering. 

She said ICRC teams in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank will support the implementation by helping to return hostages and detainees to their families.

"We are also ready to help return human remains so families can mourn their loved ones with dignity. 

“Our teams are prepared to bring more lifesaving aid into the Gaza Strip and distribute it safely to those most in need," she said.

Spoljaric urged the parties to uphold their commitments, stressing that release operations must be carried out safely and with dignity.

In addition, humanitarian assistance must resume immediately at full capacity. Aid must reach the people safely, wherever they are.

United States President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a 20-point plan he laid out on Sept 29 to bring a ceasefire to Gaza that includes the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and a gradual withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the entire Gaza Strip.

A second phase of the plan calls for the establishment of a new governing mechanism in Gaza without Hamas’s participation, the formation of a security force comprising Palestinians and troops from Arab and Islamic countries, and the disarmament of Hamas.

-- BERNAMA