Humanitarian Aid Flows into Gaza, but Needs Remain Widespread

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has been working to deliver food supplies to Gaza since the ceasefire was declared, with nearly 2,800 tons of food entering the Strip between October 11 and 15. Despite this progress, the WFP's spokesperson, Abeer Etefa, warned that the quantities delivered are still below the required level, and the agency is continuing to scale up its operations. The WFP has established five food distribution centers across Gaza, providing assistance to families, particularly women and children, and aims to expand to 145 centers throughout the Strip.

Key Takeaways:

  • The WFP has delivered nearly 2,800 tons of food to Gaza since the ceasefire, at an average rate of 560 tons per day.
  • The quantities delivered are still below the required level, with the WFP continuing to scale up its operations.
  • The agency has established five food distribution centers across Gaza, providing assistance to families, particularly women and children.
  • The WFP aims to expand to 145 centers throughout the Strip, pending continued and regular flow of trucks.
  • Only two crossings, Karm Abu Salem and Kissufim, are currently being used to bring in humanitarian aid, with convoys crossing safely without loss of commodities.
  • The WFP is seeking to increase operational capacity to speed up inspection and offloading processes, and to reopen the Erez and Zikim crossings to aid northern Gaza and Gaza City.
  • The agency is prioritizing the distribution of specialized nutritional supplies to support pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under five.
  • The WFP has begun expanding its electronic voucher and digital payment system to enable families to purchase fresh food in local markets once they reopen.
  • The program aims to reach 200,000 people, roughly 10% of Gaza's population.
  • Operational challenges remain significant, with widespread road destruction and loss of 50% of storage capacity due to infrastructure damage.
  • The WFP has secured key roads leading to northern areas in preparation for their future reopening in coordination with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS).

Statistics:

  • 230 trucks carrying 2,800 tons of food supplies entered Gaza between October 11 and 15.
  • Daily average of 560 tons of food delivered between October 11 and 15.
  • 5 food distribution centers established across Gaza, providing assistance to families, particularly women and children.
  • 145 centers planned throughout the Strip pending continued and regular flow of trucks.
  • 2 crossings currently being used to bring in humanitarian aid: Karm Abu Salem and Kissufim.
  • 716 trucks entered Gaza on Wednesday, including 16 trucks of fuel and gas.
  • 950 trucks entered Gaza on Thursday, including 8 carrying fuel and 3 carrying gas.
  • 50% of storage capacity lost due to infrastructure damage.
  • 200,000 people planned to be reached by the WFP program, roughly 10% of Gaza's population.

Sources:

  • Kuwait News Agency, October 17, 2025
  • United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)
  • United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
  • United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS)