On January 19, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. local time, a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian armed groups took effect. The first 42-day phase includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from population centers, excluding designated buffer zones, and a phased withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor.

On January 27, the Israeli military issued instructions to Gaza residents based on the ceasefire agreement, allowing residents to return on foot to northern Gaza. However, this return journey remains difficult for many, prompting UNICEF to emphasize the need to scale up humanitarian effort.

In the first four days of the ceasefire, the UN and its partners distributed incoming aid to warehouses, emergency shelters, and distribution centers while scaling up services across Gaza.