The Gaza Strip witnessed a decline in humanitarian aid following the announcement of the truce, raising serious concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis facing the population. Despite hopes that the truce would improve aid flows, the reality is that the outlook has fallen dramatically, threatening millions of civilians with poverty, famine and food insecurity.
Aid after the Armistice
The data shows that the flow of aid into Gaza after the truce was insufficient to meet the massive needs of the population. While the agreement provided for up to 600 truckloads of aid a day, mainly into northern Gaza, the reality showed a sharp decline in actual figures. Reports indicate that in the post-ceasefire period, only 986 of the 6,600 trucks expected entered within a month, highlighting a significant gap between needs and what was actually delivered. This decline is not just a matter of numbers, but reflects a failure to meet the basic needs of the millions of people who depend on this aid for survival.
The decline in aid has also had a direct impact on food security, as supplies are inadequate, especially in northern Gaza, putting the population at risk of starvation. Health services have also been severely affected, and vital programmes such as malnutrition treatment have been halted, owing to a lack of supplies and funding. This situation exacerbates the suffering of the population, which already suffers from harsh living conditions.
Read More The most urgent humanitarian needs of the population of the Gaza Strip
The impact of reduced aid on Gazans
1. Increasing food insecurity
Declining food assistance is depriving thousands of families of basic sources of food, forcing them to cut back on daily meals or rely on low-nutritive foods. This situation seriously affects the health of the population, especially malnourished children, as well as pregnant women and the elderly, which increases the rates of health vulnerability and the spread of diseases.
2. Deterioration of health conditions
Reduced medical assistance contributes to a shortage of medicines and therapeutic supplies, which limits the ability of hospitals and health centers to provide the necessary care. This leads to the postponement of treatments, exacerbation of chronic diseases, and high mortality rates, especially in light of the great pressure on the health sector.
3. Worsening shelter crisis
Decreased shelter assistance directly affects displaced people, with fewer opportunities to provide suitable tents or insulation to protect them from cold and rain. As a result, many families are forced to live in uninhabitable housing, increasing their suffering and exposing them to increased health and security risks.
4. Increased psychosocial burden
Lack of aid exacerbates the psychological stress on the population due to insecurity and instability. This is reflected in higher levels of anxiety and depression, especially among children with recurrent trauma, as psychosocial support programs decline.
5. Decline in standard of living
As aid declines, families become increasingly dependent on already limited resources, leading to a deteriorating standard of living. Some families are forced to sell their few properties or borrow to meet their basic needs, deepening the economic and social crisis.
Read More How is Gaza under constant siege?
6. Threatening the most vulnerable
Children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities are more affected by declining aid, as they need special care and ongoing services. With a lack of support, their suffering is exacerbated and their health, safety and human dignity are further threatened.
The decline in humanitarian assistance after the Gaza truce represents a growing humanitarian crisis that requires an urgent and sustained international response. The international community must act decisively to ensure that adequate and unconditional assistance reaches all those in need, overcome obstacles, and provide long-term support for reconstruction and improved living conditions in the Strip. Silence or inaction will exacerbate the suffering of millions of innocent people.
Yeah.
