Hunger Crisis in Gaza Remains “Catastrophic” as Aid Shipments Fall Far Short After Ceasefire:

More than two weeks after the ceasefire came into effect, the humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip remains dire, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning that the hunger crisis is still “catastrophic”. Despite a temporary lull in hostilities, the flow of food and essential supplies into Gaza is not meeting the urgent nutritional needs of civilians. The World Food Programme (WFP) said that daily deliveries remain far below the agreed-target of 2,000 tonnes, due to only two Israeli-controlled crossings — Karem Abu Salem in the south and Al‑Karara in the centre — being open. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasised: “The situation still remains catastrophic because what’s entering is not enough.” He underscored that the current supply is nowhere near enough to dent hunger and stave off long-term damage. The UN estimates that at least a quarter of Gaza’s population is now starving. Among this group are around 11,500 pregnant women — a figure that has triggered urgent warnings about generational damage from malnutrition. According to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) deputy executive director Andrew Saberton, 70 % of newborns are now born premature or underweight — a dramatic rise from 20 % before October 2023. Such figures suggest malnutrition will not only affect mothers but will echo through the lives of children. In August, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) already declared a famine in Gaza City and surrounding areas. At the time, over half a million people faced “catastrophic conditions”. The ceasefire on October 10, brokered by the U.S., called for humanitarian deliveries to increase significantly. But only around 750 tonnes of food enter daily — roughly one-third of the intended amount. Meanwhile, locals report skyrocketing food prices: tomatoes that cost one shekel now fetch about 15 shekels ($4.50). Aid organisations, including Oxfam and the Norwegian Refugee Council, are raising the alarm. In an open letter, 41 groups accused Israel of “arbitrarily” rejecting requests for aid deliveries. Between October 10 and 21, 99 applications by international NGOs were turned down, and six UN agency requests were also denied. Items withheld included food, hygiene kits, tents, blankets and children’s supplies. On Wednesday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel has an obligation to ensure the basic needs of Gaza’s population are met. Yet humanitarian groups say that unless access is dramatically expanded, the current scale of aid is nowhere near sufficient. “What we need now is access,” they say. In total, Gaza’s health authorities report at least 68,280 people killed and 170,375 wounded since October 2023. Meanwhile, Israel reports more than 1,139 dead in the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and more than 200 hostages taken. The bottom line: the brief ceasefire has not relieved the humanitarian catastrophe. With vital supplies still blocked or delayed, hunger continues to stalk Gaza’s children, pregnant women and newborns. International aid organisations are urging Israel to fulfil its obligations under international law and ensure that life-saving food, medicines and supplies reach those caught in the siege.

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