Only two crossings remain open as food deliveries reach just a third of daily targets amid uncertainty
Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, humanitarian aid to Gaza remains critically insufficient, with food supplies entering the enclave still far below the UN World Food Programme’s (WFP) target. The agency warned that logistical barriers and restricted crossings continue to limit life-saving deliveries to the war-torn region.
Food Supplies Well Below Target
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reported on Tuesday (Oct 21) that around 750 metric tons of food are now entering the Gaza Strip daily—a sharp shortfall from the agency’s 2,000-ton daily target. The limited inflow reflects the severe logistical constraints of operating in a region devastated by two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“To be able to get to this scale-up, we have to use every border crossing point right now,” said WFP spokesperson Abeer Etefa during a briefing in Geneva.
Only Two Crossings Operational
Etefa explained that just two Israeli-controlled crossings—Kerem Shalom in the south and Kissufim in the centre—are currently open. These are insufficient to meet the massive humanitarian demand, particularly in northern Gaza, where conditions are described as “famine-hit.”
The ceasefire plan brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump envisions the delivery of “full aid” into Gaza. However, Israel’s Rafah crossing with Egypt remains closed until further notice. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tied its reopening to Hamas handing over the bodies of deceased hostages.
Aid Still Far From Reaching the North
Etefa said that while some nutritional supplies for children and pregnant women have reached northern areas through southern routes, the effort falls drastically short of the need. The WFP has not been granted access to the Salah al-Din road, Gaza’s main north-south artery, further hampering distribution.
“We haven’t had large-scale convoys into Gaza City or the north,” she added. “Food deliveries so far are enough to feed about half a million people for two weeks—a fraction of what’s required.”
Calls For More Border Access
The UN children’s agency (UNICEF) echoed these concerns. Spokesperson Ricardo Pires urged for all entry points to be reopened, stressing that the current aid flow is “far below the required scale.”
An Israeli security official said humanitarian shipments are continuing “in accordance with the plan,” but did not specify which additional crossings might open.
Uncertainty Among Gaza’s Residents
Fear and uncertainty linger among Gaza’s residents despite the ceasefire. Many families are rationing their limited food supplies amid doubts over how long the truce will last.
“They eat part of it, and they ration and keep some of the supplies for an emergency,” said Etefa. “They are not very confident how long the ceasefire will last and what will happen next.”
The WFP’s warning highlights the fragility of Gaza’s humanitarian situation even under a ceasefire. With limited border access and mounting logistical challenges, the flow of aid remains far from sufficient to prevent further hunger. For both regional powers and international agencies, reopening crossings and ensuring steady supply chains are now urgent priorities to avert a worsening famine crisis.
Sources: AsiaOne (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Gaza Food Aid, WFP, Humanitarian Crisis, Israel Hamas, Border Crossings, Ceasefire Agreement
