Upholding Gaza Ceasefire ‘Only Way to Save Lives’, Says UN Food Agency

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Gaza must hold if humanitarian agencies are to prevent famine and save lives in the war-torn enclave.

Speaking at a briefing in Geneva on Tuesday, Abeer Etefa, the WFP’s regional spokesperson for the Middle East, said, “Sustaining the ceasefire is vital; it’s really the only way we can save lives and push back on famine in northern Gaza.” She added, “We know it’s a fragile ceasefire — the most important thing is that it lasts.”

Since the truce took effect on October 10, approximately 530 aid trucks carrying over 6,700 tonnes of food have entered Gaza, according to the WFP. That amount is enough to feed nearly half a million people for two weeks, but officials warned that current deliveries of about 750 tonnes per day remain far below the target of 2,000 tonnes needed to meet daily humanitarian demands.

Etefa explained that the WFP has expanded the number of food distribution points in Gaza from five to 26 since the ceasefire began. However, the agency ultimately aims to operate 145 distribution sites to ensure equitable access across the enclave. Most of the operational centres are currently located in southern and central Gaza, while the northern region remains in crisis. “The situation in the north is still extremely dire,” she said.

Despite the improved flow of aid, challenges persist. Etefa noted that while “convoys are pushing through” and “food is getting to warehouses,” residents continue to ration supplies. “People are living in survival mode, fearing the ceasefire could collapse any day,” she said, describing scenes of anxiety as families stockpile whatever they can.

Access remains a major hurdle. So far, aid convoys have entered through the Kerem Shalom and Kissufim crossings, but Etefa urged that all possible routes — including northern entry points — be opened to sustain relief operations. “We don’t have an indication of when those border points will be open,” she cautioned.

The WFP’s warning comes amid fears that any breakdown of the ceasefire could quickly reverse recent humanitarian gains. UN agencies have emphasized that maintaining the truce is essential not only for food delivery but also for medical and infrastructure aid.

“The ceasefire is the lifeline,” Etefa concluded. “Without it, everything we have achieved so far will collapse — and thousands more will suffer.”