Despite a truce intended to open Gaza’s borders to humanitarian relief, aid agencies warn that only a fraction of essential supplies are reaching the enclave — leaving millions exposed to hunger, disease, and freezing winter conditions.
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), just half of the required food aid is entering Gaza, while a coalition of Palestinian organizations says overall aid volumes have dropped to between 25% and 33% of what was agreed under the ceasefire.
Israel maintains it is fulfilling its commitments by allowing an average of 600 aid trucks daily, but Gaza’s local authorities report that only about 145 trucks reach distribution centers due to ongoing restrictions.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed that while some progress has been made since mid-October, conditions remain dire — particularly in northern Gaza.
“It is dire. No proper tents, no proper water, no proper food,” said Manal Salem, 52, who lives in a tattered tent in Khan Younis, fearing it won’t survive the coming cold.
Malnutrition and Shelter Crisis Deepen
OCHA data shows 10% of Gaza’s children remain acutely malnourished — a slight improvement from 14% in September, but still alarming. While some southern families now manage two meals a day instead of one, the north remains in crisis.
The WFP, calling the situation a “race against time,” reported bringing in 20,000 metric tons of food, just half the needed amount, and has opened only 44 of 145 planned distribution sites.
“People are still suffering from hunger. The majority are surviving on cereals and dry food — no vegetables, no meat, no eggs,” said Abeer Etefa, senior spokesperson for the WFP.
Fuel shortages compound the problem, forcing over 60% of households to cook with burning waste, increasing health risks amid widespread garbage accumulation.
1.5 Million Need Shelter as Winter Nears
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) estimates that 1.5 million Gazans urgently need shelter. Many tents are worn out, while surviving buildings are unsafe or exposed to rain and flooding.
“Rainwater, disease, and floods are major threats,” warned Amjad al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGO network working with the U.N.
He added that only 25–30% of the aid expected has actually entered Gaza due to delays in Israeli approvals for tents and tarpaulins.
“The living conditions are unimaginable,” said Shaina Low, NRC spokesperson.
With winter storms approaching, aid agencies stress that immediate and unrestricted access to Gaza is essential to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
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