In the aftermath of a ceasefire agreement, at least 1,545 aid lorries have entered Gaza, marking a significant surge in humanitarian assistance. This influx comes after an intense Israeli military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas, following a cross-border assault on October 7, 2023. In the wake of this conflict, Gaza faces unprecedented devastation with more than 47,000 fatalities and over 111,000 injuries reported. The region remains in dire need, with critical infrastructure severely damaged and a looming humanitarian crisis.
UN officials emphasize the immense challenges ahead. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of the UN Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa), describes the widespread destruction:
"Every person in Gaza has been traumatised by what's gone on. Everyone has lost something. Most of those homes are now destroyed, most of the roads are now destroyed."
The ceasefire agreement stipulates that 600 aid lorries, including 50 carrying fuel, must be allowed into Gaza daily for a six-week initial phase. Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to meet these requirements. However, rebuilding efforts face formidable obstacles, as 60% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed, displacing most of Gaza's 2.3 million residents multiple times.
The situation is further exacerbated by the collapse of healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene systems. Severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter persist. The World Health Organization's regional director, Hanan Balkhy, has proposed a 60-day plan to rehabilitate Gaza's health system and address the immediate needs of those with life-altering injuries.
Despite the influx of aid, UN officials warn that the rebuilding process will be prolonged. Philippe Lazzarini underscores the enormity of the task ahead:
"It's going to be a long, long process of rehabilitation and rebuilding."
Tom Fletcher, UN humanitarian chief, describes the humanitarian needs in Gaza as "staggering," highlighting the urgency for sustained international support. Meanwhile, tensions remain high as Israel accuses Unrwa of complicity with Hamas in the October attack. The agency has responded by terminating nine employees implicated by a UN investigation and reaffirming its commitment to neutrality.
The recent conflict has left parts of northern Gaza isolated from food assistance. An IPC committee has warned that famine could be imminent in these areas. As aid flows into the region, David Rose, a senior UN official involved in coordinating relief efforts, notes improvements in logistics:
"We're no longer moving through an active conflict zone. We no longer need have to co-ordinate all these movements with the Israeli authorities."
Rose anticipates an increase in aid delivery efficiency now that active hostilities have ceased:
"We're expecting a major uptick in the volume of aid that's coming in, and of course it's far easier for us to go and collect that aid because many of the problems that we have faced so far in the war go away when the fighting stops."
For residents like Manal Abu al-Dragham, who returned to her destroyed home after the ceasefire, the devastation is overwhelming:
"The whole place looked as if it had been hit by an earthquake due to the severity of the aggression."
Despite the destruction, her resolve remains unshaken:
"I will set up my tent in the north no matter what it costs… I do not want to be displaced from my land again."
The ceasefire provides a temporary reprieve for both sides. However, the path to recovery for Gaza is fraught with challenges. The region's population continues to grapple with trauma and loss as they rebuild their lives amidst ruins.
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