Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 13, 2025 Peace and security
The UN Secretary-General on Monday welcomed the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza. Humanitarian agencies say vital supplies are now arriving in large quantities in the devastated sector.
Release of hostages
Antonio Guterres expressed "deep relief" over the release of the hostages taken two years ago during the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas and other armed groups in Israel on October 7, 2023. The UN chief recalled that these people had endured "enormous suffering."
Gaza Peace Summit
The Secretary-General arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to attend the Gaza Peace Summit, which is being attended by a number of world leaders. The international meeting was convened after Israeli troops partially withdrew from Gaza in accordance with agreement between Israel and Hamas, reached through the mediation of the United States, Qatar and Turkey.
In a social media post, X Guterres reiterated his call for the return of the bodies of the dead hostages and called on "all parties to seize this moment and implement the terms of the ceasefire agreement to end the nightmare in Gaza."
190 thousand tons of humanitarian cargo
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported significant progress in the delivery of humanitarian aid.
"The mobilization of humanitarian activities in Gaza continues vigorously," the agency noted, explaining that Israel has approved the import of 190,000 tons of food, medicine, shelter, and other goods—20,000 more than previously agreed upon.
For the first time since March, liquefied gas for cooking was allowed into the Strip. In addition, "new tents for displaced families, frozen meat, fresh fruit, flour, and medicine" were delivered to Gaza.
According to UN officials, humanitarian workers and their partners can now move more freely in "a number of areas" after months of strict restrictions by Israeli authorities. This allows them to pre-position medical supplies and other essential items where they are most needed, as well as check roads for explosive hazards and provide assistance to families living in flood-prone areas ahead of the winter season.
"This is just the beginning. Over the first 60 days of the ceasefire, the UN and our partners will scale up operations to deliver life-saving aid and provide essential services to virtually every person in Gaza," OCHA added.
The humanitarian response plan presented by UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher includes:
Food assistance for 2.1 million people, including food distribution, support for bakeries, livelihood restoration for fishermen and farmers, and cash payments to 200,000 families; nutrition programs for children, adolescents, and pregnant or lactating women; rehabilitation of the health system, provision of medicines, expansion of emergency and maternity care, as well as mental health and rehabilitation services; water supply and sanitation projects for 1.4 million people; sheltering the most vulnerable families with tents and tarps; and resumption of education programs for 700,000 children.
Consequences of the war
Two years of violence and incessant bombing have left thousands of families homeless. The UN notes the population's enormous physical and psychological needs.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) emphasized that "a million children in Gaza require psychosocial support." The war has undermined their sense of security and well-being, with many experiencing "severe stress symptoms" such as withdrawal, nightmares, and incontinence.
To help children cope with trauma, UNICEF runs self-help programs: specialists teach them to use stress management techniques and to imagine a "safety button" that they can "push" when fear becomes unbearable.
"When I was scared, I would put my hand on the button and breathe deeply. It brought me great relief," said 15-year-old Anas, a participant in the program.
According to UNICEF, by 2025, eight out of ten children who completed the course had reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.