The United Nations has issued a stark warning: humanitarian needs in Gaza are severe, despite an uptick in aid flowing into the region following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The ongoing struggles and challenges in the territory paint a vivid picture of a situation that remains dire.
According to the UN’s World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), the fragile ceasefire, effective since January 19, has allowed for a more significant delivery of essential supplies to Gaza after a prolonged period of conflict lasting over 15 months. Yet, the scale of need underscores a grim reality.
At a media briefing in Geneva, UNRWA, the leading aid agency for Palestinians, expressed determination to continue its activities, even as Israel severed ties with the organization shortly before. What does this mean for the people of Gaza? Their survival heavily depends on the support that these agencies provide amidst burgeoning challenges.
The Health Crisis
Amid the rubble of conflict, only 18 out of 36 hospitals within Gaza remain partially operational, with a mere 57 of 142 primary health care centers functioning. Notably, 11 field hospitals stand ready to battle the overwhelming health crisis. For instance, first responders at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia have witnessed extensive destruction due to military operations. It begs the question: how does one heal in a place where health infrastructures lie in ruins?
Before the ceasefire, attempts to deliver critical medical aid faced formidable challenges, primarily due to strict restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities, as reported by both UNRWA and various non-governmental organizations. However, Mr. Peeperkorn indicated a glimmer of hope, noting a rise in health aid deliveries. With the arrival of 62 trucks and 22 more expected shortly, hospitals now have sufficient fuel to operate, yet it feels remarkably inadequate in the face of burgeoning need.
The WHO’s ambition to bolster hospital bed capacity is also noteworthy. Pre-war resources allowed for 3,500 to 4,000 beds, while current availability has plummeted to between 1,500 and 1,900. They aim to increase this number to 2,000 or 2,500 as soon as possible, but the question lingers: can such ambitions translate into actionable relief quickly enough to save lives?
The grim statistics reveal that Gaza had a pre-war population of approximately 2.4 million. Tragically, nearly 90% of these residents have been displaced—some multiple times—since the onset of hostilities in October 2023. Rebuilding lives amidst this displacement seems near impossible. Mr. Peeperkorn lamented about the crisis of mental health, referring to its impact as “unimaginable.” What hope remains for those traumatized by the relentless turmoil?
The WHO estimates that between 12,000 to 14,000 individuals, including around 2,500 children, require urgent medical evacuation from Gaza. They fervently demand, “Medical evacuations must urgently resume, and a medical corridor must open now.” As anticipation builds for the first evacuation since the ceasefire, the urgency cannot be overstated: around 50 patients are set to leave through the Rafah crossing into Egypt after a long closure that lasted since May 6 of last year.
The Food Crisis
In conjunction with health needs, the WFP has reported a significant increase in deliveries since the ceasefire commenced. Daily, approximately 600 trucks of humanitarian aid, including 50 carrying fuel, are entering Gaza. Since January 19, the WFP has already delivered more than 10,300 metric tonnes of food—an astounding figure that is more than double the total deliveries for December and triple those for October.
The agency has pre-positioned ample food supplies at border points, poised to feed over one million individuals for three months, revealing an unyielding commitment to combat food insecurity. Their strategy to provide high-energy biscuits for displaced individuals returning north underscores the urgent need for rapid recovery of essential services, like local bakeries.
Antoine Renard, WFP’s country director for the Palestinian territories, emphasized the necessity of restoring bakeries to offer affordable bread. Although there are signs of declining prices for staple goods, with current prices representing a 100 to 1,000% increase compared to pre-war levels, the situation remains unsettling. Can a community rebuild when basic necessities still pose significant financial burdens?
UNRWA’s Resilience
As the conflict rages on, the continuous struggle for peace remains intertwined with the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Recent hostilities, marked by Hamas’s attack on Israeli civilians in October 2023, have resulted in profound fatalities on both sides. Estimates indicate over 1,200 deaths on the Israeli side, dominated by civilian casualties, while more than 47,460 Palestinians have fallen victim to Israel’s offensive in Gaza—figures that the UN has recognized as credible.
In the midst of this turmoil, the European Union has recommenced its civilian mission to monitor the Rafah border crossing, a critical route for humanitarian aid and individual movement. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, communicated on Monday that there is considerable consensus among member states that the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) could play a pivotal role in supporting the recent ceasefire arrangement. The crossing is expected to facilitate the transfer of individuals needing medical care, showcasing a glimmer of international collaboration amid widespread desperation.
As both Palestinian and Israeli officials point to the revitalized management of the crossing, the hope is for the safe passage of injured militants alongside civilians seeking medical attention. While previous efforts to monitor the crossing were stalled years ago due to Hamas’s control, the renewed endeavor may signify a pivotal shift in the effort to stabilize the Gaza region.
In conclusion, the humanitarian challenges facing Gaza are immense, with both immediate and long-term implications for its population. As global agencies push for action against this backdrop of hardship, one question remains at the forefront: what will it take to truly transform hope into reality for the ailing and displaced people of Gaza?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
