Israel’s security cabinet has reportedly approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas, prompting cautious optimism from the UN World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding its potential to significantly enhance aid deliveries to the heavily affected Gaza Strip.
Dr Rik Peeperkorn, WHO’s representative for the occupied Palestinian territories, outlined plans to increase aid shipments to between 500 and 600 trucks per day, a dramatic rise from the 40 to 50 trucks that have been entering Gaza in recent months. This would restore aid levels to those seen before the conflict began on October 7, 2023, when relief deliveries were severely curtailed.
Speaking from Jerusalem, Dr Peeperkorn described the ceasefire as “a sign of hope” but acknowledged the immense difficulties posed by extreme shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. Deliveries are expected to start on Sunday, with plans to deploy temporary prefabricated clinics and hospitals to expand healthcare capacity and address urgent medical needs.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains critical, with over 46,000 people killed and 110,000 injured since the conflict’s onset. Many injuries are life-altering, and disease is spreading rapidly, while famine risks remain high. An estimated 12,000 patients, a third of them children, are still awaiting evacuation for specialised treatment.
The evacuation process has been excruciatingly slow, with only 29 out of 1,200 requests for medical evacuations approved between November and December 2024—a mere 2.4% success rate, according to WHO.
The agency emphasised the urgent need for food, water, medical supplies, fuel, and spare parts for hospital generators, as only half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are currently operational. Repeated attacks on healthcare facilities have further crippled the region’s health system, with 664 incidents reported since October, resulting in casualties among civilians and medical workers.
WHO has outlined a 60-day emergency response plan, contingent on the ceasefire, to bolster healthcare delivery in Gaza. The plan includes establishing temporary clinics, addressing malnutrition, increasing disease surveillance, and supplying medical aid to previously inaccessible areas. Restoring essential services and expanding health infrastructure are central goals.
The WHO estimates that over $10 billion will be required to rebuild Gaza’s healthcare system. International support will be critical to prevent further loss of life and stave off a complete collapse of the region’s health infrastructure.
Alongside immediate medical aid, broader humanitarian assistance, including food, clean water, and shelter, remains a priority. Despite ongoing challenges, WHO and other agencies are hopeful that the ceasefire will provide a lifeline to those enduring the harsh conditions in Gaza.
