The United Nations has expressed concern that funding shortages may undermine its ability to sustain aid deliveries to Gaza during and beyond the ongoing ceasefire.
The warning comes as the UN ramps up humanitarian assistance to the region, which has been devastated by 15 months of war that have left over 47,000 Palestinians dead and most of Gaza in ruins.
Daily aid deliveries have surged tenfold since the ceasefire deal took effect on Sunday, surpassing the target of 600 trucks per day for the ceasefire’s initial seven weeks. Despite this progress, Muhannad Hadi, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, said funding remains a critical challenge.
“Funding is an issue,” Hadi said. “We need immediate funding to make sure that we continue providing the aid for the 42 days, but also after the 42 days, because we’re hopeful that we’ll go from phase one to phase two.”
Hadi, who recently returned from Gaza, described the atmosphere in the enclave as one of cautious optimism. “There is widespread joy and relief. Many Gazans are eager to return to the remnants of their homes and rebuild their lives. They don’t want to rely on humanitarian aid indefinitely,” he said. “We can’t afford to let them down.”
The U.N. has appealed for $4.1 billion for the occupied Palestinian territories this year, with nearly 90% allocated for Gaza. However, the appeal is currently only 3.6% funded, raising concerns about the continuity of aid.
Hadi attributed the rapid increase in aid deliveries to improved security conditions for convoys, noting a significant reduction in looting. He said that during his visit, he saw local police everywhere, ensuring that supplies reached those in need. “The looting has reduced drastically,” he said.
However, logistical challenges persist, with aid workers struggling to navigate Gaza’s damaged streets, where thousands of displaced residents are constantly on the move. This issue is expected to worsen as thousands of people return to northern Gaza under the terms of the ceasefire deal.
The UN remains committed to scaling up its efforts, but sustained funding will be crucial to meet the growing needs of Gaza’s population as they seek to recover and rebuild their lives.
