As a fragile ceasefire holds between Israel and Hamas, Palestinians in Gaza say living conditions remain dire, with Israeli authorities blocking or restricting life-saving aid. Despite global demands for humanitarian access, shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel persist, pushing thousands toward starvation.
Ceasefire Brings No Relief: Aid Still Blocked
The temporary truce, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, was meant to allow aid into Gaza after weeks of bombardment and siege. Yet, Israeli inspections and delays have crippled deliveries, leaving desperate families without essentials.
“The ceasefire changed nothing,” said Ahmed Al-Madhoun, a displaced father in Rafah. “My children are starving, and hospitals have no medicine.”
UN agencies report only a trickle of aid has entered Gaza, with the World Food Programme (WFP) warning of “catastrophic” food insecurity for over 500,000 people.
Why Is Israel Blocking Aid?
Israel claims strict inspections prevent Hamas from seizing supplies, but aid groups call the process excessively slow and arbitrary. Convoys face rejections over banned items like medical equipment and solar panels, while fuel—critical for hospitals and water pumps—remains scarce.
“Security concerns don’t justify starving civilians,” said Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Refugee Council. “This is collective punishment.”
Gaza’s Hospitals Near Collapse
Gaza’s healthcare system, already shattered by war, is failing. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reports shortages of anesthesia, blood, and electricity, forcing surgeons to operate in “medieval conditions.”
“Patients die from infections, not just wounds,” said Dr. Fikr Shalltoot of Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Global Calls for Action Ignored
The U.S., EU, and Arab states urge Israel to ease restrictions, but little changes. UN chief António Guterres calls the blockade a “moral outrage,” as protests worldwide accuse Israel of using starvation as a weapon—a claim it denies.
Will the Ceasefire Hold?
With the truce nearing expiration, Hamas demands more aid to extend it, while Israel threatens to resume attacks if hostages aren’t freed. For Gaza’s civilians, survival is the only priority.
“We just want to feed our children,” said Um Mohammad in Khan Younis.
As the world watches, will this ceasefire bring real help—or just a pause in suffering?
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