Gaza Ceasefire Fails to Alleviate Catastrophic Humanitarian Crisis

Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the humanitarian and medical crisis in Gaza remains dire, with severe shortages of food, water, shelter, medicines, and medical equipment. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that only a fraction of Gaza's hospitals and health centers are operational, and thousands of patients urgently need treatment and evacuation, with many dying while waiting. Aid deliveries remain severely restricted, with only about 100 aid trucks entering Gaza daily, mostly carrying nutritional supplements but lacking vital medical and hygiene supplies. Hamas has received guarantees from several countries and the United States that the war is effectively over and is cooperating on implementing the ceasefire, but the blockade and aid restrictions continue to exacerbate civilian suffering. WHO's director-general and other officials urge the reopening of border crossings, especially the Rafah crossing, to facilitate aid and medical evacuations, while highlighting the immense rebuilding costs and long-term rehabilitation needs. Additionally, political tensions persist over issues like Israeli annexation plans in the West Bank, which have drawn condemnation from Arab and Muslim states and complicated regional stabilization efforts.