WFP Expands Aid to Over 1 Million in Gaza Amid Ceasefire

Aid Trucks Begin Deliveries

The World Food Programme (WFP) has commenced the delivery of crucial humanitarian assistance to Gaza following a recently brokered ceasefire. Trucks carrying essential food supplies have begun entering the region through Egypt and Israel. WFP has set an ambitious target of dispatching 150 aid trucks daily into Gaza, contingent on safe and reliable access. This initiative aims to reach over a million people who are currently reliant on emergency food assistance due to prolonged conflict.

The organisation is leveraging all available border points, including crossings from Jordan, Israel, and Egypt, to expedite the distribution of aid. Supplies are strategically allocated, with deliveries from Israel and Jordan targeting northern Gaza and those from Egypt focusing on the south. To support these efforts, WFP is appealing for $300 million in funding to sustain its operations over the next six months.

Challenges and Path to Recovery

Despite the ceasefire, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Gaza’s residents face severe shortages of food, fuel, and essential services, exacerbated by the cold winter conditions. WFP’s preliminary aid includes food parcels, hot meal supplies, and nutrition supplements, designed to provide immediate relief. However, the agency emphasises that long-term recovery will require a coordinated response from international bodies, including the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

WFP is also working to revive Gaza’s economy by supporting local shops, bakeries, and factories. Plans are in place to expand cash and voucher assistance for 100,000 people as commercial activity resumes. Additionally, specialised teams are repairing key supply routes to facilitate faster transportation of aid.

To address food insecurity comprehensively, WFP has pre-positioned 80,000 metric tons of food near Gaza, sufficient to feed one million people for three months. The agency continues to call for safe passage for humanitarian workers and supplies, urging all parties to respect international humanitarian laws. With steadfast support from the global community, WFP is committed to alleviating the suffering in Gaza and laying the groundwork for recovery.