Israel-Hamas ceasefire holds as UN launches Gaza aid

Yesterday, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas had held into the third day after the worst outbreak of fighting in years. At least 248 Palestinians, including 66 children, were killed by Israeli bombing. The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories said on Sunday the UN would launch an appeal to repair the damage in Gaza, where there is a threat of COVID-19 spreading. Jordan’s King Abdullah stressed the importance of extending the truce and “to push for a political solution that fulfils the legitimate rights of Palestinians”. On Saturday, authorities started distributing tents and mattresses in the Gaza Strip, as OCHA said at least 6,000 people had been made homeless by the bombardment. Estimated reconstruction costs are at tens of millions of dollars.