Aid to Gaza Set to Surge Following Ceasefire, Says WHO
Efforts to deliver aid to Gaza could see a dramatic increase, with the World Health Organization (WHO) aiming to scale up deliveries to 500-600 trucks per day in the coming weeks, according to Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT). This would mark a significant rise from the 40 to 50 trucks currently reaching the region per day and would restore aid levels to those seen before war broke out on October 7, 2023, severely hampering relief operations.
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A Massive Challenge Ahead
Speaking from Jerusalem, Dr. Peeperkorn called the ceasefire “a sign of hope,” but emphasized the immense challenges that lie ahead. Chronic shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies have created a dire situation for the people of Gaza. The WHO has plans to begin deliveries on Sunday, including dispatching prefabricated clinics and hospitals to enhance existing healthcare facilities. These temporary structures will help expand bed capacity, address urgent health needs, and reinforce service delivery.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic proportions. Since the start of the conflict in October 2023, more than 46,000 people have been killed, and over 110,000 have suffered injuries, many of which are life-altering. The spread of disease and the looming threat of famine further underscore the critical need for immediate action. Dr. Peeperkorn highlighted that over 12,000 patients—one-third of whom are children—are still waiting for evacuation to receive specialized medical care.
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Slow Progress on Evacuations
Progress in evacuating patients has been excruciatingly slow. Between November and December 2024, just 29 of 1,200 evacuation requests were approved—a rate of only 2.4%, according to WHO data.
In the meantime, delivering essential food, water, and medical supplies remains a top priority for WHO and other humanitarian agencies. Hospitals urgently need fuel and spare parts to keep generators running. Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, with only half of its 36 hospitals still operational. Since October, there have been 664 attacks on healthcare infrastructure, causing deaths among civilians and medical workers and severely damaging critical health facilities.
Despite the grim conditions, WHO plans to launch an ambitious 60-day emergency health response plan once the ceasefire is implemented. This plan involves enhancing current health efforts, setting up temporary clinics, and restoring essential healthcare services. Additional priorities include combating malnutrition, strengthening disease surveillance, and providing much-needed medical supplies to previously inaccessible areas.
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Urgent Funding: $10 Billion Needed
Restoring Gaza’s decimated healthcare system will require over $10 billion, according to WHO, with substantial international support needed to prevent further loss of life and a total collapse of health infrastructure.
Immediate health needs are just one part of the broader humanitarian crisis. Access to food, clean water, and shelter remains a pressing concern, alongside medical supplies and equipment that are in critically short supply.
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Hope Amidst Dire Conditions
International agencies continue to operate under perilous conditions, hoping that the newly announced ceasefire will provide a vital lifeline to the people of Gaza. While the challenges are immense, the international community’s support and commitment will be key to alleviating suffering and rebuilding the region’s health and humanitarian systems.
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