Storage space for aid ‘major problem’ in Gaza due to destruction of warehouses
So far, the many trucks that have been allowed into Gaza [during the ceasefire] have entered more central and southern parts of the enclave. For now, the trucks are going into warehouses scattered across the area here [Deir el-Balah], Khan Younis and the western part of Rafah city, in preparation for distribution points that are going to be set up in the coming days.
But finding enough places to keep the aid is very difficult and is becoming a major problem.
Let’s not forget the Israeli military not only destroyed homes and infrastructure in Gaza, but also many facilities, including warehouses and large storage sites. That’s why we’re seeing many of the trucks spend hours waiting for areas to be set up so they can unload.
However, some of the aid – the urgent assistance – is going directly to people inside their tent camps. The ceasefire has offered an opportunity for people [suffering from] famine … to receive much-needed aid.
We believe the trucks on the other side of the border will need to keep coming … in order to save what is left of people’s health and well being here.
Palestinians attempt to grab aid from a truck in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, January 23
UNRWA delivers aid to battered tent camps
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), the largest aid group operating in Gaza, has been working around the clock to rush in desperately needed supplies during the ceasefire.
But its work could soon be severely restricted, as an Israeli ban on the group is set to come into effect. The consequences, the agency warns, “would be catastrophic”.
Watch UNRWA staff’s latest efforts to reach displaced people in Gaza:
As soon as the #ceasefire took effect, UNRWA teams have been working non stop to start distributing food aid in northern #Gaza.
Living among the rubble left by months of intense bombardment, people are in dire need of this life-saving assistance.
UNRWA is essential to the… pic.twitter.com/GghlH4Q5NA
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) January 24, 2025
More Gaza funding needed to maintain aid flows: UN official
Funding shortages may affect the UN’s ability to maintain aid flows at target levels throughout the Gaza ceasefire deal, according to the organisation’s humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory.
Muhannad Hadi told the Reuters news agency that he was “very happy” with how the first few days had gone, but flagged funding as a concern. Daily deliveries have surged tenfold since the Sunday ceasefire deal, according to UN data, surpassing the 600 trucks a day target.
“We need immediate funding to make sure that we continue providing the aid for the 42 days, but also after the 42 days, because we’re hopeful that we’ll go from phase one to phase two,” he said, after returning from Gaza earlier this week.
He described scenes of widespread joy and relief across the enclave, with many people smiling and eager to return to the remnants of their homes and find work.
“I’ve received clear messages from the people: they don’t want to continue depending on humanitarian aid. They want to rebuild their lives … We can’t afford to let them down.”
The UN is seeking $4.1bn for the occupied Palestinian territory this year, with nearly 90 percent set to go to Gaza and about 10 percent to the West Bank. It is currently 3.6 percent funded.
Palestinians secure an aid truck moving along a road after crossing into Gaza on January 22
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