Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Dec 11: Aid supplies entering Gaza remain far below the levels promised under the US-brokered ceasefire, according to an Associated Press analysis of Israeli military data. Under the agreement, Israel was to allow 600 aid trucks per day, but figures shared by COGAT, the Israeli body overseeing aid entry, show that only 459 trucks per day reached Gaza between October 12 and Sunday.

COGAT estimates that a total of 25,700 aid trucks have entered Gaza since the ceasefire, far less than the 33,600 trucks required by this stage of the truce. In response to the AP findings, COGAT claimed daily entries exceed 600 trucks but did not provide matching data.

The United Nations has reported even lower numbers, stating that only 6,545 trucks were offloaded between the start of the ceasefire and December 7, averaging about 113 trucks daily. A Hamas document placed the total number of trucks since the truce at 7,333.

Humanitarian agencies warn that the limited aid entering Gaza is severely affecting residents, most of whom remain displaced after the war. Food and essential supplies are scarce, and health conditions are deteriorating. UNICEF recently reported that mothers suffering from hunger are giving birth to malnourished babies, some of whom have died.

Israel has halted aid entry at least once, accusing Hamas of failing to return the remains of hostages as stipulated under the ceasefire terms. Hamas, meanwhile, accuses Israel of violating the truce by slowing aid deliveries, keeping the Rafah crossing closed, and carrying out deadly strikes.

Since the truce began on October 10, the cost of basic necessities has soared. The price of a 12-kg cooking gas cylinder has risen to 1,314 shekels ($406) — around 18 times the pre-war cost — forcing families to rely on firewood for cooking and warmth as winter sets in.

Tensions also escalated on Wednesday after Shifa Hospital confirmed the death of a 17-year-old Palestinian, who was run over by an Israeli tank in the Jabaliya refugee camp. The Israeli military said it had killed a militant who crossed a restricted zone but shared no further details.

Mediators say the fragile ceasefire faces increasing strain as aid shortages persist and both sides accuse each other of violating agreements.