Access to the northern region, where famine was declared in August, is still limited
In Gaza, the ceasefire has allowed UN humanitarian agencies to reach a greater number of people with food, but operations still need to be expanded to contain the spread of hunger.
The spokesperson for the World Food Programme, WFP, stated that since the beginning of the truce, on October 11, the agency has managed to transport more than 6,700 tons of food, which serves almost half a million people for two weeks.
Goal of 2 thousand tons of food per day
Speaking to journalists in Geneva, Abeer Etefa said that daily deliveries are around 750 tonnes. According to her, the value is still “well below the target, which is around 2 thousand tons per day”.
The spokesperson explained that it will only be possible to reach the target when all border crossing points are open. Currently, only Kerem Shalom and Kissufim in the south of the Gaza Strip are operating.
Another challenge is the high level of destruction, which makes access from the south to the north difficult, a region where famine was declared in August.
145 distribution points
Abeer Etefa called for the opening of the Erez and Zikkim crossings and says the priority now is to reach northern Gaza with large-scale convoys.
The spokeswoman explained that many roads in the northern region have already been cleared and rubble has been removed from crossing points to allow connections with Gaza City, where the situation is particularly serious.
She highlighted that maintaining the ceasefire is vital, as it is “the only way to save lives and contain the spread of hunger in northern Gaza”.
WFP has begun restoring a food delivery system, with the aim of expanding assistance through 145 distribution points across the Gaza Strip. To date, 26 have been reestablished.
People are saving food for emergencies
According to the UN agency, “the response has been really impressive”, when describing people’s reactions to the distributions. According to her, “residents are showing up in large numbers, grateful for the efficient delivery of food assistance and the dignified way in which they can wait in line and quickly receive their food.”
Abeer Etefa emphasized that the impact has been significant, especially among the most vulnerable, such as women and the elderly.
The WFP spokeswoman said she senses “cautious optimism” about the duration of current conditions. Many beneficiaries only consume part of the provisions, saving the rest for emergencies, because, according to her, “they have no confidence in how long the ceasefire will last and what might happen afterwards”.
High prices
The WFP warns that food prices remain prohibitive and supply is still far from sufficient.
The agency is supporting people most severely food insecure with digital payments, which have so far allowed around 140,000 people to buy food in local markets. The goal is to double the reach of the program in the coming weeks.
Originally published by ONU News on 10/21/2025
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2025/10/21/onu-pede-abertura-de-mais-passagens-de-fronteira-para-conter-fome-em-gaza/
