Currently Online 
Ceasefire update already brings drop in food prices in Gaza: Christian Aid
Food prices are already starting to fall in Gaza with news of the ceasefire, according to the charity Christian Aid.
“The prices of goods have started to go down and down. For example, a sack of wheat flour is 30 shekels [$9], which is unbelievable,” said one of the charity’s consultants in the besieged enclave.
Two weeks ago, a 25kg (55lb) bag of flour cost 100 shekels ($29) according to research conducted by the charity in Khan Younis on September 27. As another example, the organisation said that today a kilogram (2.2lb) of tomatoes is approximately 50 shekels ($15), down from 80 ($24) before the ceasefire.
However, those who do not have cash and can only buy via electronic payment are penalised with extra fees, Christian Aid has found.
Still, there is respite for Gaza’s war-weary population.
“At long last, this news will offer people in Gaza some respite from the relentless bombardment, displacement and deprivation they have endured for the last two years,” said William Bell, head of Middle East policy and advocacy at Christian Aid, in a statement.
Any future Gaza plans must be ‘Palestinian-led’: Oxfam
Oxfam International’s Executive Director Amitabh Behar has said the announcement of the ceasefire deal in Gaza is a “desperately needed step towards ending Israel’s genocide in Gaza”.
“This fragile ceasefire must be the beginning of a sustained and principled effort that leads to ending Israel’s unlawful occupation and blockade. It must be focused on restoring rights and rebuilding lives,” Behar said in a statement.
“Any political or reconstruction plan must not entrench the occupation or further undermine Palestinian sovereignty,” Behar said in a statement.
Behar emphasised that the future of Gaza must be “Palestinian-led” and negotiation on the enclave’s future must “restore the foundations of daily life, rebuild shattered communities and offer pathways to healing and hope”.
“World leaders must ensure that this ceasefire is upheld by all parties, that those who committed war crimes are investigated and prosecuted, and the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination is upheld,” Behar added.
Hamas chief negotiator says received guarantees war will end
Khalil al-Hayya has said he has received guarantees from the US and mediators that the first phase of a ceasefire deal agreed to with Israel will lead to a lasting, permanent end to the war.
“We have received assurances from the brotherly mediators and the US administration, who have confirmed that the war is completely over,” he said.
He added that 250 Palestinians serving life sentences in Israeli prisons will be released as part of the deal agreed to with Israel, alongside 1,700 Palestinians from Gaza who were arrested since the war began, and all Palestinian women and children detained by Israel.
He further hailed Palestinian resilience amid two years of war.
