Three and a half weeks into the latest cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, World Food Program (WFP) reports delivering food parcels to approximately one million residents of Gaza – but cautions that needs remain vastly higher and access still limited. Anadolu Ajansi.
WFP spokesperson Abeer Etefa revealed at a Geneva press briefing that since the ceasefire began in early October, roughly one million people had received food parcels intended to last their households ten days each. She reported this was against an original target of 1.6 million. Anadolu Ajansi reported on this achievement.
WFP parcels are now being distributed at 44 active points across Gaza; initially planned at 145 centers. About 700,000 people receive fresh bread daily from 17 bakeries supported by WFP. www.trtworld.com +1

WFP acknowledges that reaching 1 million recipients is an impressive milestone, yet still only covers a portion of Gaza’s needs. Etefa noted that their current delivery rate remains “still limited” and reiterated the race to save lives as she spoke to trtworld.com
Only two major crossings — Kerem Shalom in the south and Kissufim in the center — are working properly, and no convoys have made their way into northern governorates since the ceasefire took effect. Damaged roads, security concerns and restrictions on aid transport continue to limit access. Mirage News/Reuters
Etefa indicated that this figure only refers to food parcels – “We haven’t yet reached the level of bulk food supplies, fresh produce, meat eggs or vegetables which remain extremely rare in Gaza.” Trtworld.com
What This Means on the Ground

“[In] every distribution point I have visited… people tell me: this assistance matters,” noted WFP Communications Officer Nour Hammad.
Mirage News Hunger remains widespread. WFP estimates that food consumption levels across the territory remain far below pre-war norms and that many families still depend on cereals and pulses as their sole food sources, with limited access to a diversified diet.
Anadolu Ajansi Challenges and What Comes Next.

WFP recognizes that its current effort must increase quickly. Since the cease-fire started, WFP has delivered over 20,000 tons of food – approximately half of what is estimated as necessary to meet basic food needs across Syria’s general population. Anadolu Ajansi reports.
Logistics remain one of the main obstacles facing Gaza, from limited northern-Gaza access to damaged infrastructure within the Strip and limited operational distribution points; many remain cut off. Etefa called for all crossings and unrestricted road access within Gaza to open. In this regard Mirage News had more to report.
Moment of Hope Amid Crisis

Even in spite of challenges, aid influx — although only partial — represents an essential uptick in humanitarian delivery. With ceasefire having opened at least some routes for relief to reach those previously isolated, relief packages now reach families living in shelters and tent areas where every parcel counts for survival.

WFP emphasizes that the race to save lives is still far from over and warns that without increased convoy access, major escalation or collapse of the truce could put those already experiencing near-famine in immediate peril.
Reaching 1 million is an impressive accomplishment – but the challenge now lies in turning this milestone into long-term coverage of Gaza.