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Three weeks after the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza remains severely hampered, according to reports from the United Nations and local residents. Over 2.2 million people in Gaza are estimated to require assistance after 15 months of conflict. Itemad Washah, a local resident, lamented his lack of access to vital supplies such as food and tents (Washah, via WhatsApp).
Despite the entry of approximately 4,200 aid trucks weekly since the ceasefire began on January 19, many Gazans struggle to access distribution points due to destroyed infrastructure and restricted transport (United Nations World Food Program). Jonathan Fowler, a spokesperson for UNRWA, noted that aid often arrives "one step behind" those who need it, complicating distribution efforts further as mass displacements continue across the region.
Legal restrictions have also emerged, with Israel enacting laws limiting UNRWA's operations, raising concerns about the ability to provide essential aid effectively. Local residents have criticized the opacity in the aid registration process, further complicating access to humanitarian assistance (Fowler).