Gaza market ‘filled with goods’ as humanitarian aid flows in

More than 600 lorries entered strip on first day of truce, UN says

Lorries carrying humanitarian aid for Unicef enter the Gaza Strip at the Karam Abu Salem border point in southern Gaza on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Bloomberg

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There is a sense of relief on the streets of Gaza on the second day of the ceasefire, as lorries loaded with essential supplies begin to reach the besieged region. Thousands of Palestinian police officers are on duty to manage traffic and help with the delivery of aid.

Tom Fletcher, the UN under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs, said that more than 630 aid lorries entered Gaza on the first day of the ceasefire, delivering food, medical supplies, and other essentials to address the shortages caused by 15 months of conflict.

The initial days of the ceasefire have brought stability to Gaza. Residents are beginning to experience a return to normality. The combined efforts of local authorities, security forces, and international organisations in co-ordinating aid convoys are making a tangible difference in the lives of those who have suffered for so long.

An official from Gaza’s Ministry of Interior said that it had devised a comprehensive plan to ensure aid reaches the people.

“We sent security forces to escort all aid convoys to their final destinations, including warehouses and distribution points,” the official told The National. “Our goal is to prevent any disruptions and ensure the smooth flow of aid to the citizens.”

He also noted the improved security situation under the ceasefire. “During the conflict, the ministry couldn’t guarantee the safety of aid entering Gaza due to ongoing Israeli attacks. Now, however, the ceasefire allows us to provide the necessary security for these convoys.”

In response to the urgent need for aid, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency UNRWA has mobilised its teams to deliver supplies to shelters and those in immediate need.

“We are ready to deliver life-saving aid as soon as it is allowed into Gaza,” said Inas Hamdan, a representative of UNRWA in Gaza. “The people of Gaza are in desperate need of everything, and even small improvements will make a significant difference in their lives.”

Since yesterday, we’ve seen a significant flow of trucks into both northern and southern Gaza

WFP employee

The World Food Programme also began setting up aid distribution immediately after approval. A WFP employee said that the organisation had prepared for large shipments of supplies well before the ceasefire, creating lists for distribution across the population.

“Since yesterday, we’ve seen a significant flow of trucks into both northern and southern Gaza,” the employee told The National. “We’re updating our distribution plans, especially with the anticipated return of displaced persons. We’re co-ordinating closely with Gaza’s security forces to ensure aid reaches its intended recipients.”

Lorries loaded with humanitarian aid line up to cross the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip at Rafah on Sunday, January 19, 2025. AP Photo

For many Gaza residents, the arrival of aid has brought a glimmer of hope. Mohammed Al Shobaki, 35, expressed his gratitude after receiving a food parcel from the Ministry of Social Development.

“For a long time, I hadn’t received any aid, so when I got a message to collect assistance, I was relieved,” he told The National. “The food parcel contained essential items that are critical to our survival right now.”

He is cautiously optimistic. “This aid is just the beginning. We need more supplies to address the catastrophic situation we’ve endured—war, famine, and shortages. Hopefully, this marks the start of better days ahead.”

While challenges remain, the arrival of aid and the drop in prices offer a hopeful sign for a population that has endured months of conflict, hardship, and uncertainty. With continued support, Gaza’s residents are hopeful that their lives can slowly begin to recover.

Mohsen Badr, 32, a resident of Gaza City, also noticed positive changes in the local market. “Since the truce began, prices have dropped significantly, especially for basic goods like flour, sugar, and cooking oil,” Mr Badr told The National.

“The market is now filled with goods, which wasn’t the case during the war when supplies were scarce. The influx of trucks into northern Gaza has really helped replenish the market,” he added. “Yesterday, aid trucks kept arriving in large numbers — something we’ve never seen before.”

Mr Badr, who visited Al Sahaba Market, noted that prices were now reasonable and that new items had arrived. “I expect the situation to continue improving as aid and goods continue to arrive. People are eager to buy everything they can after everything we’ve been through.”