Assalamu alaikum - Most aid to Gaza still blocked while attacks continue
Assalamu alaikum. Authorities in Gaza say that since the US-brokered ceasefire began, only a small portion of the agreed humanitarian aid has actually entered the Strip.
Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that between October 10 and 31, 3,203 commercial and aid trucks were allowed in - about 145 trucks per day. That is roughly 24% of the 600 daily trucks that were promised under the agreement. The office condemned the ongoing obstruction and held Israel responsible for the worsening humanitarian conditions affecting over 2.4 million people in Gaza. They urged the mediators to pressure the occupying power to let aid in without conditions.
Despite some increase in deliveries since the truce, families in Gaza still face severe shortages of food, water, medicine and other essentials. Many people are without proper shelter after homes and neighbourhoods were leveled during years of bombardment.
A UN spokesperson said aid collection has been limited because Israeli authorities have rerouted convoys through the narrow, damaged coastal road along the Egypt border - the Philadelphi Corridor - causing serious congestion. More crossings and internal routes are needed to improve delivery, the UN said.
At the same time, the Israeli military has continued strikes across the territory, in breach of the ceasefire according to local reports. Fighter jets, artillery and tanks shelled areas around Khan Younis in the south, and Israeli forces demolished residential buildings east of Jabalia in the north. Witnesses described heavy shelling and drone fire hitting what remains of homes and farmland beyond the so-called yellow line where forces are deployed. Gaza’s Civil Defence says it cannot reach some sites because of ongoing air strikes and drones overhead.
The Gaza health ministry reported that at least 222 Palestinians have been killed and 594 wounded since the ceasefire took effect. Israeli officials say they keep striking because they claim Hamas has not returned all the bodies of Israeli captives. Hamas responds that searches are hampered by widespread destruction and restrictions on bringing in heavy machinery and bulldozers needed for recovery efforts.
Humanitarian organisations have been trying to handle exchanges; the ICRC said it transferred three bodies to Israel after they were handed over by Hamas, but Israeli assessments said those remains did not match any of the remaining 11 deceased captives.
May Allah grant relief and protection to the innocent, ease the plight of the displaced, and guide all parties toward a just and lasting peace. Please keep the people of Gaza in your duas.
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