Gaza Aid Delivery Remains Critically Low Despite Ceasefire, Agencies Warn
Aid deliveries to Gaza remain drastically insufficient to meet the territory’s needs one week into the ceasefire, with delays at the Israeli border hindering the entry of vital supplies, even as both sides accuse each other of truce violations.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reported bringing in approximately 560 tonnes of food daily since the ceasefire began, but this falls short of required levels. “We’re still below what we need, but we’re getting there… The ceasefire has opened a narrow window of opportunity, and WFP is moving very quickly and swiftly to scale up food assistance,” said WFP spokesperson Abeer Etefa. Trucks are experiencing lengthy delays at the Kissufim crossing, with fewer than half of the intended 600 daily trucks actually entering Gaza, and stringent restrictions causing some convoys to turn back. This situation exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis, with widespread famine a significant concern following months of restricted access during the recent conflict.
Yesterday, the Israeli army shelled a vehicle that had crossed what they termed the “yellow line” in Gaza’s Zeytoun neighborhood, resulting in nine fatalities. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Gaza civil defence, stated, “They had crossed the so-called ‘yellow line’, an imaginary boundary mentioned by the Israeli army. I am certain the family couldn’t distinguish between the yellow and red lines because there are no actual physical markers on the ground.” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced plans to physically mark the yellow line. The WHO has warned that infectious diseases are “spiralling out of control” with only 13 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals partially functioning. Access to Gaza City and northern Gaza remains particularly challenging, hindering the delivery of aid to the areas of greatest need; you can find more information about the ongoing crisis here.
The ceasefire agreement, signed last week, had raised hopes for a substantial increase in aid, but restrictions persist, limiting the flow of desperately needed assistance. US President Donald Trump indicated he would consider allowing Israel to resume military operations if Hamas does not fully adhere to the terms of the truce. Officials say the situation remains fluid and dependent on continued adherence to the ceasefire agreement.
