Thousands of packages containing essential supplies and food are currently stagnant in Jordan, Egypt, and Israel, humanitarian organizations report. Despite a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel starting nearly four weeks ago, minimal aid is reaching Gaza. With the onset of colder weather, hundreds of thousands of people are still living in dilapidated tents, lacking proper shelter following Israel’s devastating offensive.
The Middle East and North Africa Regional Director for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Angelita Caredda, emphasized the urgent need to protect families from winter conditions. Caredda highlighted the insufficient amount of shelter materials entering Gaza, stressing the critical need for swift and unimpeded access to the war-torn region.
According to the NRC, numerous shelter and non-food items are stranded in neighboring countries awaiting approvals, leaving around 1.5 million individuals vulnerable to deteriorating circumstances. Despite the ceasefire deal’s intention to facilitate aid delivery, challenges persist with limited supplies reaching Gaza, exacerbating the hardships faced by the population.
The World Food Program (WFP) disclosed that only half of the required food supply is reaching Gaza, with logistical hurdles hindering the delivery process. While Israel asserts compliance with the ceasefire terms, it alleges that Hamas is obstructing aid distribution, a claim denied by the group.
Efforts to enhance aid distribution have seen some progress since mid-October, with improvements noted in food access for families in Gaza. However, there remains a stark contrast between the conditions in the southern and northern parts of the region. The situation is described as a race against time by aid agencies, emphasizing the pressing need for expedited assistance to address the prevailing humanitarian crisis.
Furthermore, challenges persist with the availability of a diverse range of food items necessary to combat malnutrition. The reliance on limited food staples poses risks of inadequate nutrition among the population, underscoring the need for a more varied diet to meet essential dietary requirements.
In addition to food shortages, the scarcity of fuel, particularly cooking gas, presents further obstacles to nutrition efforts. The use of burning waste for cooking by over 60% of Gazans poses additional health hazards, compounding the challenges faced by the already distressed population.
The ongoing struggle to provide aid in Gaza underscores the complex humanitarian situation in the region, exacerbated by the prolonged conflict and logistical constraints hindering relief efforts. Efforts to address the critical needs of the population continue amid the challenges posed by the current circumstances in Gaza.
