UN cries out, says funding shortages threaten aid operations in Gaza

Trucks carrying humanitarian aid enter Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip after crossing the terminal border from Egypt, on January 17, 2024. (AFP)
The United Nations has raised concerns over potential funding shortfalls that could jeopardize its ability to sustain critical aid deliveries throughout the Gaza ceasefire period.
The ceasefire follows 15 months of devastating conflict between Israel and Gaza, leaving over 47,000 Palestinians dead, hundreds of thousands homeless, and much of the territory in ruins.
Daily aid deliveries have surged tenfold since the Sunday ceasefire agreement, surpassing the target of 600 trucks per day for the first seven weeks.
Despite this progress, Muhannad Hadi, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, has emphasized the urgent need for funding to maintain this momentum.
“We need immediate funding to ensure aid continues for the 42 days of the ceasefire and beyond,” Hadi told Reuters. He expressed optimism for transitioning from the current emergency phase to long-term recovery, but underscored the necessity of international support to rebuild lives and infrastructure.
During his recent visit to Gaza, Hadi described scenes of cautious hope among residents. “People don’t want to depend on humanitarian aid indefinitely. They want to rebuild their lives,” he said, urging the global community to prioritize funding for recovery efforts.
Currently, the UN is seeking $4.1 billion for humanitarian efforts in the occupied Palestinian territories, with nearly 90% earmarked for Gaza. Alarmingly, the appeal is only 3.6% funded, leaving a significant gap in resources.