Continuing Crisis in Gaza: The Aftermath of the Ceasefire

Nearly two months after the ceasefire in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis persists, with conditions described as a "new genocide" by officials. Despite some aid entering the region, the reality for Gazans is far from the restoration of normalcy. Israeli airstrikes continue, and many residents remain displaced, unable to return to their homes. The Government Media Office in Gaza reports that the humanitarian situation has not improved, with border crossings effectively closed and the flow of goods significantly below the agreed humanitarian protocol. The UN has indicated that Israel rejected over 100 requests for humanitarian aid in the first month of the ceasefire, leading to a dire food situation where approximately 25% of households report consuming only one meal per day.

‘A new form of genocide’: Gazans feel little relief from Israeli strangulation since the ceasefire

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) has highlighted the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in coordinating aid entry with Israeli authorities. Of 51 missions coordinated between November 12 and 18, only 27 were facilitated, while others were impeded or denied. Khalil al-Deqran, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health in Gaza, emphasized that the ongoing blockade mirrors past policies that led to malnutrition and food deprivation. Hospitals are operating at critical levels, receiving only about 25% of their basic needs, exacerbating the health crisis as winter approaches.

‘A new form of genocide’: Gazans feel little relief from Israeli strangulation since the ceasefire

The Ministry of Health reports widespread malnutrition due to the lack of essential food items, including infant formula and protein-rich foods. The majority of goods entering Gaza consist of low-nutritional-value items, such as processed foods, which do not meet the population's dietary needs. Ismail al-Thawabteh, Director of the Government Media Office, criticized Israel's approach, stating that the blockade constitutes a "deliberate engineering of a starvation policy." Ordinary families, like that of Niveen al-Sharfa, continue to struggle, living in tents and unable to afford available goods, despite the ceasefire.

‘A new form of genocide’: Gazans feel little relief from Israeli strangulation since the ceasefire

Residents express a profound sense of despair and fear, feeling that the war is not truly over. Nidaa al-Dahdouh, a mother of two, articulated the ongoing challenges her family faces, highlighting the absence of normalcy in their lives. Many families remain in temporary shelters, with children unable to attend school and forced to stand in long lines for food aid. Tareq S. Hajjaj, a Gaza correspondent, notes that while some food items are available, the high prices render them inaccessible for many.

‘A new form of genocide’: Gazans feel little relief from Israeli strangulation since the ceasefire

Officials in Gaza have consistently criticized the Israeli government's handling of humanitarian aid, asserting that the situation remains critical and that the blockade continues to violate the needs of the population. The Ministry of Health has called for urgent action to address the health crisis, emphasizing that the current aid levels are insufficient to meet the essential requirements of Gazans.

‘A new form of genocide’: Gazans feel little relief from Israeli strangulation since the ceasefire

• “This is a new form of genocide. The policy of refusing to allow in what is necessary for people’s survival mirrors what happened earlier, when food was withheld, and malnutrition was deliberately created.” — Khalil al-Deqran, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health in Gaza.

‘A new form of genocide’: Gazans feel little relief from Israeli strangulation since the ceasefire

• “Instead of 600 trucks per day—the minimum needed to meet essential requirements—Israel permits only about 200 trucks, most of which carry limited-value commercial or aid items.” — Ismail al-Thawabteh, Director of the Government Media Office in Gaza.

‘A new form of genocide’: Gazans feel little relief from Israeli strangulation since the ceasefire

• “ “The world thinks the war is over, but as long as there is an army inside the yellow zone, the war is not over.” — Amer al-Sultan, displaced res

‘A new form of genocide’: Gazans feel little relief from Israeli strangulation since the ceasefire