According to the reports on Friday (17 October), following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has significantly increased the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Currently, around 560 tonnes of food are entering the territory each day, a notable rise compared to wartime restrictions. This step aims to address the severe food shortages that have affected the population, though many areas continue to experience famine-like conditions.
Despite the ceasefire, Gaza’s humanitarian situation remains critical. Millions of people still face hunger and malnutrition, and the current aid deliveries are insufficient to meet the growing needs. Experts warn that without a steady and large-scale supply of food, the long-term health and stability of the population could be seriously impacted.
The WFP, in coordination with the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Israel, Palestinian authorities, local NGOs, and international donors, is leading efforts to distribute food and manage logistics. Israel controls key border crossings that affect aid flow, while Palestinian authorities and NGOs handle on-the-ground distribution. International donors provide crucial funding and resources to sustain the relief operations.
Looking ahead, the WFP plans to scale up deliveries to 80-100 trucks per day, prioritizing northern Gaza where conditions are most severe. Negotiations are ongoing to reopen crossings such as Zikim and Erez, which would allow larger and faster aid shipments. However, challenges like damaged roads, political tensions, and logistical constraints continue to pose obstacles to consistent humanitarian support.
References
Gaza Faces Dire Hunger as UN Ramps Up Food Aid Amid Ceasefire Challenges
