The goal is to have between 500 and 600 trucks entering per day in the upcoming weeks,” stated Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT).
This would be a significant increase from the 40 to 50 trucks that have been reaching Gaza in recent months and would be similar to the aid levels before the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, which had severely impacted relief deliveries.
Enormous Challenge
Speaking from Jerusalem, the WHO doctor described the ceasefire announcement as “a ray of hope” but emphasized that the challenge ahead is huge and daunting due to the severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies.
Preparations are in place for deliveries to start on Sunday, with plans for integrating temporary clinics and hospitals into existing facilities to expand bed capacity and address urgent health needs and services.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been described as catastrophic, with over 46,000 fatalities and more than 110,000 injuries, many of which are life-altering, since the conflict began in October 2023.
The risk of disease spread and famine remains high, and it is crucial to address these needs, especially with over 12,000 patients, a third of whom are children, still awaiting evacuation for specialized care.
Slow Progress on Evacuations
However, evacuations have been progressing slowly. Out of 1,200 requests made between November and December 2024, only 29 were approved, a rate of just 2.4%, according to the WHO.
Immediate provision of food, water, medical supplies, fuel, and generator spare parts for hospitals is crucial, as Gaza’s healthcare system has been severely affected, with only half of its hospitals operational and critical health infrastructure facing repeated attacks.
Despite the challenging conditions, WHO aims to implement an extensive 60-day emergency health response plan once the ceasefire is in place, focusing on scaling up health efforts, setting up temporary clinics, and restoring essential healthcare services.
$10 billion needed for healthcare
WHO estimates that over $10 billion is needed to restore Gaza’s healthcare system, and significant international support is crucial to prevent further loss of life and avoid a complete breakdown of the region’s health infrastructure.
In addition to addressing immediate health needs, broader humanitarian aid including food, clean water, shelter, medicines, and medical equipment is essential, as these remain in short supply.
Despite the challenging and dangerous conditions, international agencies continue to work tirelessly, hoping that the ceasefire will bring relief to those trapped in the besieged enclave.
