WHO Aims to Deliver 600 Trucks of Aid Daily Amid Dire Humanitarian Crisis
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed optimism that the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could significantly boost humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. WHO’s representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, revealed that plans are in motion to increase daily aid deliveries to 500–600 trucks, a significant jump from the 40–50 trucks that have been entering the region in recent months.
Speaking from Jerusalem, Dr. Peeperkorn described the ceasefire as “a sign of hope” but emphasized the daunting challenges ahead due to severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. The crisis, he noted, has pushed Gaza’s healthcare system to the brink of collapse.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been described as catastrophic. Since the conflict began in October 2023, more than 46,000 people have been killed and 110,000 injured, many of whom require life-saving and life-changing care.
WHO reports that disease is spreading, and the risk of famine remains alarmingly high. Over 12,000 patients, including many children, urgently need evacuation for specialized medical care. However, progress on this front has been painfully slow, with just 2.4% of evacuation requests approved between November and December 2024.
Critical healthcare infrastructure has been severely impacted, with only 18 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals currently operational. The region has also endured 664 attacks on healthcare facilities since October, resulting in the deaths of civilians and medical workers and further straining the already devastated healthcare system.
The WHO has outlined an ambitious 60-day emergency health response plan to address Gaza’s dire health crisis. Key elements of the plan include:
- Setting up temporary clinics and prefabricated hospitals to expand bed capacity and address urgent health needs.
- Scaling up disease surveillance and malnutrition treatment programs.
- Delivering essential medical supplies, food, and clean water to inaccessible areas.
Despite the challenges, WHO is committed to delivering critical support. “We have ordered temporary prefabricated clinics and hospitals,” Dr. Peeperkorn said, noting that deliveries are expected to begin Sunday.
Restoring Gaza’s shattered healthcare system will require over $10 billion, according to WHO estimates. This figure underscores the need for substantial international support to prevent further loss of life and a complete breakdown of essential services.
Beyond healthcare, there is an urgent need for food, water, and shelter for the displaced population. Aid agencies are working under difficult and dangerous conditions, hoping the ceasefire will provide a lifeline to the besieged enclave.
