UN Warns Of Crucial Gaza Armistice To Prevent Hunger And Aid Delivery

Ilistation of humanitarian aid trucks crossing into Gaza through Zikim and Kerem SALom Crossing. (Twitter/@WFP)

JAKARTA - The United Nations on Tuesday warned that maintaining a fragile Gaza ceasefire is crucial to prevent hunger and ensure life-saving food aid reaches civilians.

The world agency also urged Israel to reopen all border crossings with Palestine.

The ceasefire of Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Israel brokered by the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey took effect on October 10.

Tensions escalated on Sunday, as Israeli forces launched a deadly attack on the Gaza Strip, citing alleged violations by Hamas.

"Maintaining a ceasefire is very important. This is the only way we can save lives and overcome hunger in northern Gaza," World Food Program (WFP) spokesman for the Middle East Abeer Etefa said.

Realizing this fragile calm, he added, "We know this is a fragile ceasefire; the most important thing is that this ceasefire lasts a long time."

Etefa further said that since the ceasefire came into effect, 530 WFP trucks had entered Gaza, carrying more than 6,700 tons of food. That is estimated to be enough for nearly half a million people over two weeks.

About 750 tonnes per day have now arrived, which, although more than before the ceasefire, is still well below the WFP target of around 2,000 tonnes per day.

"The convoy continues to move, the food has reached the warehouse, and the distribution takes place in an organized and dignified manner," he explained.

Etefa said the WFP had now opened 26 food distribution points in Gaza, increasing from five points on Friday last week, but it is still far from the 145 points expected to operate across the region. Most are in the south and middle of the Gaza Strip.

"The response is really extraordinary," said Etefa.

"People come in large numbers, grateful for the efficiency of food aid and the dignified way people queue, quickly get food rations," he said.

He added that WFP trucks only pass through the Kerem SALom and Kissufim crossings, calling for every entry point into the Palestinian territories to be opened, especially those in the north, where the food situation is "very concerning."

"We have no indication of when the border points will open," he added.