The ceasefire deal, hailed by Donald Trump as a step toward “lasting peace in the Middle East,” included the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, with 154 exiled to Egypt. In return, Hamas released 20 surviving Israeli captives and handed over the bodies of four others.

According to Gaza’s health authorities, Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 67,869 people and injured 170,105 since the conflict erupted in October 2023. On the Israeli side, 1,139 people were killed in the October 7 attacks, and around 200 were taken hostage.

Tearful Reunions Overshadowed by Torture and Neglect Claims

Across parts of the occupied West Bank, families gathered in emotional scenes to welcome the return of their loved ones. But celebrations were tempered by harrowing accounts of abuse inside Israeli prisons, including severe beatings, food deprivation, and medical negligence.

“It’s like coming from hell to heaven,” said former detainee Yasser Abu Turki in an interview with Al Jazeera. “It’s a mixture of feelings I can’t describe — pain, joy, and something strange.”

Hidaya Dar Ahmed, the sister of another released prisoner, revealed that her family had “no clue” about her brother’s health for nearly two years.
“Throughout these two years, he has not received any treatment, nothing… It’s deliberate negligence by the Israeli prison administration,” she added.

UN Expert Warns: ‘Do Not Look Away’

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, voiced alarm after reports emerged that Israeli forces were blocking celebrations for released detainees in the West Bank.

“They call it peace, but for the Palestinians, it risks to be Apartheid at its worst,” Albanese posted on social media.
“All eyes must remain on Palestine. People of the world, do not look away now.”

Thousands Still in Detention

Despite the mass prisoner release, Palestinian officials stated that more than 10,000 Palestinians remain unlawfully detained in Israel. At least 77 Palestinians have died in Israeli detention centres over the past two years, and 360 children are still behind bars.

Authorities confirmed that 1,968 Palestinians have been freed since the start of the exchange, but human rights advocates continue to demand the release of the remaining detainees and international oversight of detention conditions.

A Critical Moment for Peace Efforts

While the ceasefire deal marks a significant diplomatic development, the testimonies of released detainees highlight deep human rights concerns and the fragility of the peace process. International observers say sustained pressure will be required to address alleged violations and prevent further escalation.

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The Patriarchate condemned “this targeting of innocent civilians and of a sacred place,” saying two women and one man had died in the attack on the Holy Family Church.

“This horrific war must come to a complete end,” it said, adding the victims had turned to the church compound as a safe haven “after their homes, possessions, and dignity had already been stripped away.”

The Holy Family Church spoke in a separate statement of “a number of injured, some in critical condition.”

In a telegram for the victims, Pope Leo said he was “deeply saddened” and called for “an immediate ceasefire.”

The pope expressed his “profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region,” according to the telegram which was signed by the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and made no mention of Israel.

The Israeli military said later on Thursday that an initial inquiry suggested fragments from a shell fired during operational activity in the area hit the church mistakenly and the cause of the incident was under review.

It also said the country did not target churches or religious sites and regretted harm to them or civilians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church” and that “every innocent life lost is a tragedy.”

“Israel is investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

The Patriarchate earlier said the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, was among those injured, and his church had sustained damage.

Father Romanelli, an Argentine, used to update the late Pope Francis regularly about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict via calls and messages.

TV footage showed him sitting receiving treatment at Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza, with a bandage around his lower right leg.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blamed Israel for the strike on the religious compound.

“The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such an attitude,” she said in a statement.

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Key Findings

• Survey Period: December 1-23, 2024
• Samples Tested: 306 samples collected across Gaza (excluding North Gaza).

Chlorine Deficiency:

• 79% of samples lacked adequate chlorine levels necessary to ensure safe drinking water.

Microbiological Contamination:

• 19% of samples showed contamination with faecal coliforms, indicating potential exposure to harmful pathogens.

Implications

• Health Risks:
  • Exposure to faecal coliforms increases the risk of waterborne diseases, including diarrhea, cholera, and other gastrointestinal infections.
  • Inadequate chlorination exacerbates the vulnerability of residents to microbial contamination.
• Humanitarian Crisis:
  • The findings underline the dire water and sanitation crisis in Gaza, further compounding the challenges posed by limited infrastructure, ongoing conflict, and resource shortages.

Background

Gaza has long faced chronic water scarcity and contamination issues due to:

• Over-reliance on aquifers, which are heavily depleted and contaminated by seawater intrusion.
• Inadequate water treatment facilities, worsened by years of blockade and conflict.
• Insufficient international aid and infrastructure development to address the crisis comprehensively.

Call to Action

The report underscores the urgent need for:

• Immediate measures to improve water treatment and chlorination processes.
• Enhanced international support to address the water and sanitation crisis in Gaza.
• Long-term solutions to rebuild and modernize Gaza’s water infrastructure.

Without immediate intervention, the health and well-being of Gaza’s population, especially children and vulnerable groups, remain at significant risk.

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