A ceasefire and hostage agreement renews calls for humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

An urgent need to provide Gaza with critical humanitarian aid has been sparked by the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Due to more than 15 months of fighting, the Palestinian enclave is currently experiencing a serious humanitarian catastrophe that is making food shortages, medical crises, and infrastructure destruction worse.

Here’s a closer look at the reactions and plans of major aid organizations:

UNRWA: Demanding Unrestricted Access to Aid

To transfer vital supplies, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Gaza’s main assistance organization, has called for quick, unhindered access. With 2 million people depending on its assistance and 1 million relying on its shelters for food and healthcare, the agency is working to address the dire situation caused by continuous bombardment and restricted aid.

UNICEF highlighted the agreement’s terrible impact on children and called it “long overdue.” The war has claimed the lives of over 14,500 children and left 17,000 unaccompanied or separated from their families. UNICEF is working to expand assistance for treating malnutrition and intends to resume immunizing 420,000 children under five.

World Food Programme: Food Supplies Not Yet Available

There is enough food for more than a million people for three months, according to the World Food Programme (WFP), but immediate finance and dependable access to Gaza are required. The group demanded that border crossings be opened and that humanitarian workers be allowed to travel safely in order to guarantee prompt food distribution.

Red Cross: Facilitating Hostage Release and Humanitarian Aid

The ceasefire-hostage agreement’s provisions are prepared to be put into effect by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Having played a role in the release of hostages and detainees, the ICRC stressed the need for meticulous planning to ensure safety. The organization is prepared to scale up its efforts but cautioned that addressing Gaza’s immense humanitarian needs will take months, if not years.

Norwegian Refugee Council: Preventing Famine and Rebuilding Gaza

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has called on Israel to lift all restrictions on aid to prevent famine-like conditions. The group highlighted the destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals and emphasized the need to rebuild Gaza’s civilian infrastructure. NRC teams are poised to expand their efforts to help families recover and rebuild their lives.

International Rescue Committee: Massive Aid Scale-Up Needed

David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), emphasized the critical need for a massive increase in aid, including food, medicine, water, and fuel. He stressed the importance of safer conditions for aid workers and civilians to ensure the delivery of essential services and medical care.

Conclusion: A Humanitarian Race Against Time

As the ceasefire provides a window of opportunity, aid organizations are racing to address Gaza’s overwhelming humanitarian needs. While the agreement offers hope, substantial challenges remain, including funding shortages, logistical hurdles, and the need for long-term rebuilding efforts.