United Nations officials stated today that the influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza has significantly increased since the ceasefire took effect on January 19, even for supplies such as tents, which were previously restricted by Israeli regulations.

Hamas announced yesterday that it will halt the release of Israeli hostages until further notice, citing Israeli violations—as the Palestinian Islamist group described them—of the ceasefire agreement, raising concerns that the 15-month-long conflict could be reignited.

The group stated that the alleged violations include blocking the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza as agreed upon, specifically 60,000 prefabricated housing units, 200,000 tents, debris removal equipment, and fuel.

When asked about the current aid deliveries to Gaza, Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), told reporters in Geneva:
“We have managed to significantly scale up humanitarian operations, providing food, medicine, overnight shelter equipment, and other relief supplies during the ceasefire period.”

Earlier this month, humanitarian officials reported that there were obstacles to bringing in certain supplies, such as overnight shelter equipment, which Israel argued could have “dual-use”—both military and civilian applications. Meanwhile, Palestinians are calling for emergency aid worth billions of dollars, including housing units for those left homeless due to Israeli airstrikes and bombings.

Israel denies allegations that it has blocked certain supplies, such as tent poles, from entering Gaza via humanitarian aid trucks.

COGAT, the liaison office of the Israeli military, which manages relations with the Palestinians, said in a statement to Reuters that more than 100,000 tents have entered the coastal enclave since the ceasefire began.

When asked whether Israel’s dual-use restrictions are still in place, Laerke referred the question to Israeli authorities.

Edem Wosornu, head of Operations and Support at OCHA, stated that while the provision of aid supplies has improved since the ceasefire, the amount of aid reaching Gaza remains far below the actual needs on the ground.

“A Drop in the Ocean”

“We cannot meet the needs at this moment. Gaza is completely devastated. The infrastructure is simply not there where it should be. We will do our best, but the aid trucks are just a drop in the ocean,” she said during a meeting of diplomats in Geneva.