Gaza Interior Ministry says it will intensify efforts to restore order

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
19 Jan 2025 22:04

In a statement, the Ministry called on the Palestinian people to demonstrate greater solidarity and unity to overcome the repercussions of the savage Israeli aggression.

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A member of security forces stands guard in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on January 19, 2025, shortly before a ceasefire deal in the war between "Israel" and Hamas was implemented (AFP)

The Ministry of Interior in Gaza announced on Sunday that its security forces would intensify efforts in the coming days across all governorates to restore order and activate citizen services as part of efforts to address the aftermath of the recent Israeli war.

In a statement, the Ministry called on the Palestinian people to demonstrate greater solidarity and unity to overcome the effects of the savage aggression. It confirmed that its security forces had deployed on main streets to secure properties and assist in addressing remnants left by the Israeli occupation military.

The Ministry stated that the deployment began this morning with the commencement of the ceasefire agreement, aimed at restoring stability, ensuring security in the Gaza Strip, supporting citizens, providing assistance, and safeguarding public and private property.

Various ministry units have been working alongside other government agencies to clear roads and resume services in areas vacated by the occupation forces, particularly in the northern Gaza and Rafah governorates, which witnessed extensive destruction, the statement mentioned.

It emphasized that police, security, and service personnel have been directed to dedicate themselves to serving citizens, acting as a source of support and assistance.

Video footage shows Palestinians going back to northern Gaza, specifically to Beit Hanoun, before the ceasefire officially took effect today.

This resembles the scene in South Lebanon when Lebanese people directly headed back to their homes in the South just moments into the… pic.twitter.com/rE7FAWhzu3
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 19, 2025

Municipalities reopening, rehabilitating streets of Gaza: Media Office

Earlier, the Government Media Office in Gaza announced the deployment of thousands of Palestinian police officers as part of a government initiative to restore security and order across various governorates and municipalities.

After the ceasefire took effect, municipalities began reopening and rehabilitating streets. Ministries and government institutions are fully prepared to implement the government plan, aiming to restore normalcy gradually and as swiftly as possible, according to the Media Office's statement.

The statement read, "We urge our Palestinian people to avoid spreading rumors and false information from Israeli media or other hostile outlets. We also call on our people to exercise caution when traveling between regions and governorates. Additionally, we confirm that the return of the displaced will take place seven days after the ceasefire takes effect."

It added, "We also urge our people to obtain information from official government sources and avoid entering destroyed areas to mitigate potential risks. We advise staying clear of bombed houses to prevent sudden collapses, as well as avoiding missiles and suspicious objects. It is also crucial to adhere to safety guidelines and remain vigilant."

The Government Media Office in Gaza concluded its statement by confirming that "the return of the displaced will occur seven days after the ceasefire decision takes effect."

The ceasefire agreement in Gaza took effect on Sunday, at 08:30 local time (GMT+2). It has rekindled hope for an end to the Israeli aggression and the 15-month-long war in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of tens of thousands, left many wounded, missing, or imprisoned, and displaced millions of Gazans.