Gaza City / Geneva The United Nations has raised alarm over the “overwhelming” demand for food aid in Gaza, as a fragile ceasefire allows limited humanitarian access but falls short of halting the spread of famine in the north.
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), over 6,700 metric tonnes of food have been delivered since the ceasefire began on 11 October, reaching nearly 500,000 people for two weeks. However, this is still far below the agency’s daily target of 2,000 tonnes. Current deliveries average 750 tonnes per day, hindered by restricted access and damaged infrastructure.
Key challenges include:
- Only Kerem Shalom and Kissufim crossings are open; Erez and Zikkim remain closed
- Severe destruction blocks access to northern Gaza, where famine was declared in August
- Food prices remain prohibitively high, making market supplies unaffordable for most
- Unexploded ordnance poses a growing threat, with at least 328 casualties reported
The WFP has reinstated 26 of 145 planned food distribution points, with people lining up in large numbers. “People are grateful for the dignified way they can receive food,” said WFP spokesperson Abeer Etefa, noting that many ration their supplies out of fear the ceasefire may collapse.
To address the crisis, WFP is also expanding digital cash assistance, enabling 140,000 people to purchase food locally. The goal is to double this reach in the coming weeks. However, Etefa stressed that commercial food imports are essential to meet full nutritional needs: “Humanitarian aid alone cannot solve this crisis.”
Meanwhile, UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) warned of the “incredibly high” risk from unexploded munitions. Children are among the victims, and the true casualty count is likely underreported. “We expect to find many more items as we access new areas,” said Luke Irving, head of UNMAS in Gaza.
The UN reiterated that only a sustained ceasefire and full humanitarian access can prevent further catastrophe. “It’s the only way we can save lives and push back on famine,” Etefa concluded.
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