Aid to Gaza falls to lowest in 11 months as US ultimatum nears expiry, raising tensions with Israel

Nearly a month after US issued an ultimatum to Israel threatening sanctions if humanitarian supplies to Gaza were not increased, the aid reaching the war-torn enclave has fallen to its lowest level in 11 months since December, according to a report, citing official Israeli figures.

The US had issued a 30-day ultimatum on October 13, which is set to expire on Tuesday-Wednesday.

According to The Guardian report, it remains unclear what actions Israel’s failure to meet US demands will prompt, but they could include a temporary halt to the supply of certain munitions or other military assistance.

Meanwhile, in a last-minute concession on Monday, Israeli authorities announced an extension of the designated “humanitarian zone,” expanding it to include inland areas. This move could help alleviate severe overcrowding and offer some displaced people a chance to move away from the coast as winter approaches.

However, Israel appears to have disregarded most of the demands outlined in a letter sent by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on October 13, reported The Guardian.

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Aid officials in Gaza describe the situation as “apocalyptic,” with more than 80% of the 2.3 million residents displaced and over two-thirds of buildings destroyed or damaged in the 13 months of ongoing conflict.

“Almost nothing is getting in any more. The small street markets that sprung up have all gone. There’s a bit of flour, some washing-up liquid … a kilo of tomatoes costs nearly $20 (£16). Even if you have money there is nothing to buy. Everyone is going hungry again,” The Guardian quoted one UN official as saying.

Israel initially imposed a total blockade on Gaza in the early weeks of the war but gradually eased restrictions under international pressure. Aid deliveries peaked in May, with 117,000 tonnes of food entering Gaza via more than 6,000 trucks, alongside tents, medicine, and other essential supplies.

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According to The Guardian report, citing data from Cogat, the Israeli military body responsible for coordinating humanitarian aid, only 25,155 tonnes of food reached Gaza in October — the lowest monthly total since December 2023. As of this month, just 8,805 tonnes of aid have crossed through Israeli checkpoints.

In October, an average of 57 trucks per day entered Gaza, far below the 350 trucks per day requested by the US and the 600 per day aid agencies say are needed, added the report.

By November 9, only 624 trucks had entered, according to Cogat. It’s unclear if Sunday’s shipment of over 170 trucks and fuel tankers is included in these figures.

Israeli officials deny that aid is intentionally restricted, instead blaming humanitarian agencies for poor distribution efforts.

However, UN logistics specialists in Gaza say that Israeli military operations and lawlessness often prevent them from collecting supplies, leaving trucks stranded at the border.

Additionally, a severe shortage of drivers, communication equipment, and protective gear has hindered aid efforts. Since May, only 10% of over 300 permit requests for individual drivers have been approved by Cogat, reported The Guardian.

Coordination with Israeli authorities remains slow and many convoy requests are rejected.

In October, Israeli authorities blocked or delayed 58% of aid movements. Lawlessness in Gaza has led to widespread looting of aid, with UN officials reporting that around a third of all supplies were stolen — some by Hamas, but most by criminal gangs for resale.

Private convoys have also been halted, added the report.

With inputs from agencies