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Humanitarian Aid Challenges in Gaza During Ramadan: A Struggle Amidst Ongoing Shortages
This year's Ramadan in Gaza commenced under notably different circumstances, marking the first Ramadan following the ceasefire declared in October 2025 and the initial phase of the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing. However, the on-ground reality indicates that improvements in aid delivery remain limited and do not align with the existing needs of the population.
Field estimates reveal that the actual entry of humanitarian aid trucks has not exceeded 43% of the minimum required amount, while approximately 2.4 million residents in Gaza are heavily reliant on humanitarian assistance. Experts assert that to meet basic needs, at least 750 aid trucks must enter the region daily.
Local authorities have noted that, despite changes in the aid delivery pattern post-ceasefire, shifting focus from immediate relief following bombardments to enhancing distribution and supply chain management, the operational environment remains exceedingly fragile. Restrictions on the entry of goods, control over the type and volume of supplies, and ongoing power outages since October 7, 2023, cast a shadow over all aspects of relief activities.
Ismail Al-Thawabteh, the director of the media office of the government in Gaza, described the changes as limited and minimal, stating that despite the passage of several months since the ceasefire and the onset of Ramadan, the effects of destruction are still evident and widespread hunger persists.Conversely Ashraf Al-Jarjawi director of the Center for Arab Research and Development in Gaza spoke of a relative transformation in the approach to aid delivery. He noted that humanitarian responses are no longer solely confined to emergency conditions arising from direct attacks; rather efforts are underway to broaden distribution improve supply chains and enhance field organization. Nevertheless he emphasized that the reopening of crossings has only resulted in minor relief and has not ensured a stable and orderly flow of goods.
Al-Jarjawi also highlighted internal challenges including extensive damage to infrastructure compromised warehouses cold chains and transportation networks which have severely diminished storage and distribution capabilities. Meanwhile Houda Sakri president of the Swiss Angels Association characterized the humanitarian situation as catastrophic in every sense stating that thousands of families are living in tents without basic amenities. According to her needs have not only persisted but have increased due to the expansion of destruction and loss of income sources.
This association sources its aid from local markets in Gaza; therefore the accessibility and pricing of goods in the market directly impact the distribution capacity of aid. Field activists report that supply fluctuations and rising prices pose additional challenges for relief organizations. Overall while the partial reopening of crossings has sparked hopes for improvement available data indicates that the level of incoming aid and existing operational capacity still fall significantly short of the vast needs of Gaza's residents.
February 23, 2026
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