The Gaza Strip on Sunday witnessed the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries after weeks of suspension due to the latest military escalation, writes Monjed Jadou in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Around 400 trucks loaded with food and medical supplies entered through the Rafah Crossing, heading towards the Kerem Shalom and Al-Ouja crossings. The influx comes in the wake of the newly declared ceasefire, part of international efforts to ease the worsening humanitarian crisis in an enclave already devastated by years of blockade and the destruction of basic infrastructure.
Humanitarian aid operations resumed early on Sunday after more than a month-long halt caused by ongoing hostilities between the Palestinian factions and Israeli forces. The trucks, carrying food and medical and emergency supplies, moved towards the Kerem Shalom Crossing to meet the needs of the most vulnerable civilians.
Within the first hour of the reopening, nearly 90 trucks had crossed, reflecting tight coordination among international and local actors to ensure the smooth entry of vital supplies. Officials described the operation as the largest in weeks and expected the number of aid convoys to rise in the coming days to reach all besieged areas.
The resumption follows repeated appeals from international humanitarian organisations including the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the European Union calling for urgent action to avert a major humanitarian disaster in Gaza. With the number of civilians in need rapidly increasing, the arrival of food, medicine, and clean water has become essential, especially for hospitals and health centres struggling to treat the sick and wounded.
The Egyptian authorities played a central role in facilitating the aid convoys through the Rafah Crossing, coordinating closely with the European Union mission overseeing inspection and delivery. International observers participated in monitoring the distribution and providing technical support to ensure assistance reached those most in need.
The International Committee of the Red Cross reaffirmed its readiness to act as a neutral intermediary in delivering and distributing humanitarian aid following the ceasefire agreement. The coordination aims to reduce security risks and guarantee access to heavily affected areas.
The European Union, for its part, announced financial and logistical support to ensure the smooth flow of humanitarian convoys, deploying specialised teams to monitor the distribution of food, medicine, and essential items to vulnerable groups, including children, women, and the elderly.
Hamas and the local authorities in Gaza are working with donor countries to ensure the delivery of essential aid. The current agreement includes the operation of five main entry points through Egypt and Jordan as part of post-ceasefire arrangements. The plan also calls for close monitoring of distribution to guarantee transparency and prevent diversions.
Palestinian organisations said the coordination also covers reconstruction efforts, including repairing schools, hospitals, and damaged infrastructure. These initiatives aim to ease the humanitarian crisis and reduce the daily suffering of families who have lost homes or livelihoods due to bombardment and the ongoing blockade.
This collaboration underscores the importance of partnerships between local actors, humanitarian agencies, and international donors to create tangible improvements in living conditions for Gaza’s civilians.
The enclave continues to face acute shortages of food and medicine amid the widespread destruction of hospitals, water systems, and sanitation facilities. Humanitarian groups estimate that more than 2.3 million Palestinians urgently require food assistance, while some 500,000 need immediate medical care.
Officials stress that maintaining daily deliveries is essential to cover basic needs and prevent the further deterioration of living conditions. With fuel scarcity and soaring prices, families in Gaza are struggling to secure basic necessities, increasing the psychological and social pressures across the population.
In response, 25 Western nations including Canada, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Poland have pledged financial, medical, and in-kind assistance to support the health sector and ensure the availability of food and clean water, seeking to ease the worsening humanitarian crisis.
FOOD AND MEDICINE: Humanitarian organisations are prioritising the distribution of essential food items such as rice, wheat, and cooking oil, as well as clean water, clothing, and blankets for affected families.
These supplies are vital as thousands of homes and much of Gaza’s infrastructure have been destroyed during recent military operations.
Medical teams are distributing medicines and basic equipment to hospitals and clinics, including supplies for chronic diseases and emergency care for the wounded. This also includes mobile ambulance units and medical kits for areas where hospitals have been severely damaged.
Beyond material aid, local and international groups are providing psychological support to civilians, especially women and children, who have suffered trauma during the conflict. Programmes include counselling sessions, community support groups, and child-focused activities aimed at restoring emotional well-being and resilience.
Aid agencies stress that mental health support is an integral part of recovery, particularly in communities traumatised by war and loss. Such efforts help rebuild confidence and restore a sense of normalcy among children and families.
In the days ahead, the number of aid trucks entering Gaza is expected to increase, with priority given to the most heavily affected areas. Coordination between the Egyptian authorities, local factions, and donor countries aims to ensure efficient delivery without delays.
Officials hope that these steps will help stabilise the humanitarian situation and relieve civilian suffering while maintaining oversight to ensure fair and effective aid distribution. The plans also include opening additional crossings and facilitating truck movement to guarantee uninterrupted aid flows.
The entry of aid is being closely monitored for security along the border to protect both convoys and civilians. Cooperation between local factions and international bodies seeks to prevent disruptions or risks, especially given the large volume of humanitarian supplies.
The United Nations and donor countries have stressed that close coordination with local organisations is essential to ensure aid reaches all areas of Gaza and to monitor its distribution and identify the most vulnerable groups.
These efforts include the use of shipment tracking systems and needs-analysis tools to guarantee fair and transparent distribution, while preventing waste or the misuse of humanitarian assistance.
Humanitarian agencies are also working in cooperation with NGOs to facilitate access to remote and hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that families in need receive direct and timely support.
Local and international officials say that the resumption of aid deliveries and the reopening of border crossings mark a crucial step towards the gradual recovery of the Gaza Strip after periods of relentless crises. Residents hope that the steady flow of aid will continue, easing their suffering and helping to lay the groundwork for Gaza’s gradual and sustainable reconstruction.
Experts believe that this joint international and local effort could become a turning point in the lives of Gaza’s residents, helping to strengthen their resilience and improve living conditions after months and years of isolation, blockade, and large-scale devastation across the territory.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 16 October, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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