Gaza Aid Delivery Faces Critical Shortfalls Despite Increased Flow
Following the recent ceasefire, humanitarian aid is entering Gaza at a higher rate, but remains drastically insufficient to meet the immense needs of the population.White House spokesperson dylan Johnson reported Sunday that an average of 674 aid trucks have entered Gaza daily since the truce began. He highlighted positive developments, including the distribution of food parcels to over one million people since october 10th, an 82% increase in meal production since late September, and the reappearance of eggs on Gaza shelves for the frist time since February, when a total blockade was imposed. johnson emphasized the US commitment to a “historic effort” to aid Gazans, stating a dedication to treating palestinians “with dignity and respect.”
However, these claims are sharply contrasted by reports from aid organizations on the ground. The world Food Program (WFP) states that only half of the required food aid is currently reaching Gaza. A coalition of palestinian relief agencies reports that deliveries represent just one-quarter of the aid promised under the ceasefire agreement.
According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, only 28% of the agreed-upon 15,600 aid trucks – a total of 4,453 – have been permitted entry, averaging 171 trucks per day. The office asserts this falls far below the minimum humanitarian threshold, calling for at least 600 trucks daily to deliver essential supplies like food, medicine, fuel, and cooking gas.
The Media Office further accuses israeli authorities of deliberately exacerbating the crisis through restrictions on essential food items,banning over 350 staples while allowing the import of less vital,often inflated-price goods. this, they claim, constitutes “engineered starvation” and a intentional manipulation of food supplies as a weapon against civilians.
While Johnson noted a significant increase in drinking water delivery – 17,000 cubic meters (4.5 million gallons) daily, representing a 130% increase in northern Gaza during October – aid agencies continue to stress the urgency of the situation. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs acknowledges improvements in food access in southern Gaza, with families now consuming two meals a day compared to one in July, but emphasizes that food security in northern Gaza remains catastrophic.
UN spokesperson Farhan Haq reiterated on Friday that despite improved access, “people’s urgent needs are still immense,” and aid convoys remain limited to just two Israeli crossings. the WFP continues to demand the opening of all access points to facilitate a considerable increase in the flow of food and medical aid, stating that no explanation has been provided for the continued closure of northern crossings.
