UN Reports 24,000 Tonnes of Aid Delivered to Gaza Since Ceasefire: Challenges and Progress in Humanitarian Response

Israel has maintained control over approximately half of Gaza's territory while withdrawing forces from major urban centers.

United States:

A UN official announced Thursday that since the ceasefire implementation earlier this month, over 24,000 tons of humanitarian aid has been delivered to Gaza, while emphasizing the need for NGO participation in distribution efforts.

Despite a significant increase in aid volumes compared to pre-ceasefire levels, humanitarian organizations continue to face financial constraints and coordination challenges with Israeli authorities.

Ramiz Alakbarov, deputy special coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territories at the UN Resident Coordinator Office, stated, "From the beginning of the ceasefire, we've delivered more than 24,000 metric tonnes of aid through all available crossings, and have recommenced both community and household-based aid distributions."

The World Food Programme's Middle East regional director, Samer AbdelJaber, reported that during the 20-day scale-up period following the ceasefire, they "have accumulated approximately 20,000 metric tons of food within Gaza."

Gaza continues to experience a severe humanitarian crisis following Israel's devastating military campaign, which has caused tens of thousands of fatalities and reduced substantial portions of critical infrastructure and housing to rubble.

Alakbarov also noted a considerable reduction in looting throughout the coastal territory, which has facilitated more efficient aid distribution.

"I'm pleased to report that 15 outpatient therapeutical program facilities are now operational, including eight new locations in the northern region, thanks to UNICEF's commendable efforts," Alakbarov said.

"Implementation of the 20-point US peace proposal remains the central focus and prerequisite for delivering comprehensive humanitarian assistance," Alakbarov emphasized.

He urged Israel to permit NGO participation in Gaza's aid delivery operations.

"The ongoing issue of NGO registration continues to be a significant bottleneck. We consistently emphasize the crucial role that NGOs and national organizations play in humanitarian operations in Gaza, and we have escalated this matter," he stated.

The US military has established a coordination center in southern Israel to monitor the ceasefire and facilitate aid and reconstruction efforts, while humanitarian agencies continue advocating for expanded access for aid convoys within Gaza.

Although Israel has withdrawn forces from Gaza's major urban centers, it maintains control of approximately half the territory from positions along the Yellow Line, and has resisted appeals to allow aid through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

"The positive development is that due to the US-brokered ceasefire, we are now receiving significantly more aid than previously possible, and we are expanding operations as part of our 60-day life-saving initiative," UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher stated in a pre-recorded message.

"This represents genuine progress, but it's merely a drop in the ocean—just the beginning of what needs to be done," Fletcher added, noting that only one-third of the $4 billion flash appeal has received funding.