Ceasefire Holds as Aid Flows, Hostage Transfers and Journalist’s Killing Stoke Tensions in Gaza
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has enabled significant humanitarian progress in Gaza, while the controversial killing of a journalist and the handover of hostages underscore the conflict’s ongoing political volatility.
According to Anadolu Agency, the United Nations reported “real progress” in aid delivery under the truce: for the first time since March, cooking gas entered Gaza, alongside distributions of shelter kits, medicines, flour, and hot meals. The cleared aid pipeline now holds about 190,000 metric tons of relief supplies. Meanwhile, U.N. agencies remain poised to ramp up assistance to 2.1 million food-insecure people, relying on hundreds of aid trucks per day once full access is allowed, as reported by the Associated Press, Reuters and U.N. OCHA.
In a dramatic development, Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi, aged 28, was shot and killed while covering clashes in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood. Sources say he was targeted by an Israel-linked militia of Doghmush clan. Aljafarawi was wearing a press vest when the attack occurred, Al Jazeera and Maktoob Media reported. His death has drawn condemnation from press freedom groups and intensified scrutiny of press safety in conflict zones.
On the diplomatic front, Hamas transferred seven Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as part of the ceasefire exchange mechanism. Israeli media confirms the release, which is expected to be followed by additional handovers, Anadolu Agency reported. Under the deal, Hamas is to deliver 20 Israeli captives alive and return the remains of 28 others, while Israel will free roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
The ceasefire’s durability remains uncertain: while Israeli forces have begun partial withdrawals and aid traffic has increased, intense scenes of rubble clearance, returning residents, and scarred infrastructure confront Gazans daily. Reuters has reported ongoing negotiation is expected over governance in Gaza, disarmament, and reconstruction funding.
More than 67,000 Palestinians were killed during more than two years of relentless Israeli attacks on Gaza. Thousands more are believed to be dead and under the rubble.
As the pause in hostilities holds, observers note that stabilizing aid flows, ensuring security for civilians and journalists, and advancing the prisoner-hostage exchange will test whether the truce can lead to lasting respite or reignite conflict anew.
