The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen, despite a US ultimatum issued nearly a month ago threatening sanctions if aid to the war-torn enclave was not increased. According to a recent report citing official Israeli figures, the amount of aid reaching Gaza has plummeted to its lowest level in 11 months, since December 2023. This alarming trend raises serious concerns about the consequences of Israel’s failure to meet the US demands.
The US issued a 30-day ultimatum on October 13th, which is set to expire on Tuesday-Wednesday. It remains unclear what actions Israel’s disregard for the ultimatum will prompt, but potential repercussions could include a temporary halt to the supply of certain munitions or other military assistance.
In a seemingly last-minute concession on Monday, Israeli authorities announced an extension of the designated “humanitarian zone,” expanding it to include inland areas. This move could offer some relief from the severe overcrowding and provide displaced people with a chance to move away from the coast as winter approaches. However, this gesture appears to be a minimal attempt to address the broader concerns outlined by the US.
The Guardian report suggests that Israel has largely disregarded the demands outlined in a letter sent by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on October 13th. Aid officials in Gaza paint a grim picture, describing the situation as “apocalyptic,” with over 80% of the 2.3 million residents displaced and more than two-thirds of buildings destroyed or damaged in the 13 months of ongoing conflict.
“Almost nothing is getting in any more. The small street markets that sprung up have all gone. There’s a bit of flour, some washing-up liquid … a kilo of tomatoes costs nearly $20 (£16). Even if you have money there is nothing to buy. Everyone is going hungry again,” a UN official told The Guardian.
Initially, Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza in the early weeks of the war but gradually eased restrictions under international pressure. Aid deliveries peaked in May, with 117,000 tonnes of food entering Gaza via more than 6,000 trucks, alongside tents, medicine, and other essential supplies. However, according to data from Cogat, the Israeli military body responsible for coordinating humanitarian aid, only 25,155 tonnes of food reached Gaza in October – the lowest monthly total since December 2023.
The decline in aid deliveries continued into November, with just 8,805 tonnes of aid crossing through Israeli checkpoints. In October, an average of 57 trucks per day entered Gaza, far below the 350 trucks per day requested by the US and the 600 per day aid agencies say are needed. By November 9th, only 624 trucks had entered, according to Cogat. It remains unclear if Sunday’s shipment of over 170 trucks and fuel tankers is included in these figures.
Israeli officials have denied that aid is intentionally restricted, blaming humanitarian agencies for poor distribution efforts. However, UN logistics specialists in Gaza argue that Israeli military operations and lawlessness often prevent them from collecting supplies, leaving trucks stranded at the border. Additionally, a severe shortage of drivers, communication equipment, and protective gear has hampered aid efforts. Since May, only 10% of over 300 permit requests for individual drivers have been approved by Cogat.
Coordination with Israeli authorities remains sluggish, and many convoy requests are rejected. In October, Israeli authorities blocked or delayed 58% of aid movements. The lawlessness in Gaza has led to widespread looting of aid, with UN officials reporting that around a third of all supplies were stolen – some by Hamas, but most by criminal gangs for resale. Private convoys have also been halted.
The dire situation in Gaza highlights the urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance and a more collaborative approach to addressing the crisis. The international community must continue to put pressure on Israel to fulfill its obligations and ensure the safe and unimpeded flow of aid to Gaza.
