Ceasefire in Gaza Leads to Historic Increase in Humanitarian Aid
The recent ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel has resulted in a significant surge in humanitarian aid entering Gaza, marking the highest levels of assistance since the onset of the conflict in October 2023. Despite logistical hurdles, the flow of essential supplies has greatly exceeded previous levels, addressing the dire humanitarian crisis faced by the region's over two million residents.
On the first day of the ceasefire, more than 630 trucks filled with aid crossed into Gaza, according to Tom Fletcher, the UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. Of these, approximately 300 trucks were dispatched to the northern areas, which have suffered the most extensive damage. This was followed by an additional 915 trucks that entered on the subsequent day, as reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This influx represents the largest daily shipment of aid since the conflict began, surpassing the previous record set on May 3, when 340 trucks were allowed entry.
While the precise origins of many of these trucks are still uncertain, it is believed that a significant portion came through Egypt, albeit indirectly due to Israeli restrictions. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), noted that both humanitarian and commercial supplies have been flowing smoothly into the territory.
The focus is particularly on food assistance, as nearly the entire population of Gaza is experiencing severe food insecurity, with some areas potentially facing famine conditions. The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced that it has been actively sending food convoys from Egypt and Israel through the Karam Abu Salem and Zikim border crossings. The WFP aims to deliver at least 150 food trucks daily to alleviate the dire situation.
In addition to food aid, the WFP is working to support local bakeries and provide nutritional supplements to thousands of malnourished children. The agency has indicated that once more commercial supplies arrive, it plans to distribute vouchers and cash assistance to vulnerable families. Cindy McCain, the WFP Executive Director, emphasized the critical need for all border crossings to remain open and operational to ensure consistent aid delivery.
Another pressing challenge for humanitarian organizations is the urgent need to restore Gaza's healthcare system, which has been heavily impacted by military actions. An estimated 110,000 individuals have sustained injuries during the conflict, with many more suffering from infectious diseases or malnutrition. Currently, only half of Gaza's 36 hospitals are partially operational, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which, along with other entities, has started dispatching medical supplies to address the most pressing health needs.
Egypt has been instrumental in facilitating the increase of aid to Gaza, allowing 650 trucks to pass during the first two days of the ceasefire, including 323 on the second day, which comprised 13 fuel-laden vehicles. However, due to Israeli inspection protocols and the destruction of the Palestinian terminal at the Rafah border, aid trucks from Egypt have not been able to directly enter Gaza and must instead reroute through Israeli checkpoints.
Qatar, in collaboration with the United States and Egypt, has also announced plans to finance a land bridge supplying 12.5 million liters of fuel to Gaza during the first ten days of the ceasefire. The initial shipment was transported into the region via 25 trucks through the Karam Abu Salem crossing, aimed at providing electricity to hospitals, shelters for displaced individuals, and other essential services.
The ongoing ceasefire is expected to facilitate the entry of at least 600 aid trucks each day into Gaza, with expectations that 200 will originate from Egypt, which has the capacity to send more. In stark contrast, only a fraction of this aid--approximately one-tenth--was permitted entry over the four and a half months preceding the ceasefire, highlighting the urgent need for continued assistance as the humanitarian situation remains critical.
