A Fragile Lifeline

In the central Gaza Strip town of al-Zawayda, large metal pots simmer over open wood fires. Cooks from the American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) are preparing what has become a lifeline for thousands: a hot meal. Six weeks after a ceasefire agreement took effect on Monday, 14 October 2025 (EAT), this community kitchen, and another in al-Mawasi, are at the forefront of a desperate struggle against hunger. While the cessation of hostilities allowed for an increase in humanitarian aid, the flow of essential goods remains severely restricted, leaving the population in a precarious state.

Organizations like Anera are providing crucial support, with their kitchens feeding over 20,000 people daily. However, the scale of the crisis is immense. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), despite modest improvements in market access in early November, about half of all households still report insufficient food access, and 25 percent eat only one meal a day. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed in August 2025 that famine was present in the Gaza governorate and was projected to spread. The WFP's latest analysis on Tuesday, 18 November 2025 (EAT), confirms two simultaneous famines in parts of Gaza and Sudan, a first this century.

Obstacles to Aid Delivery

Humanitarian workers on the ground describe a challenging operational environment. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli authorities continue to impose significant restrictions on aid. According to a UN report on Thursday, 7 November 2025 (EAT), Israeli authorities have rejected 107 requests for the entry of relief materials since the ceasefire began, including essential winter items like blankets and clothing. Many of these rejections were on the grounds that the NGOs were not authorized to bring in aid or that items were classified as "dual-use".

Senior aid workers, speaking anonymously for fear of retaliation, told The New Humanitarian on Thursday, 21 November 2025 (EAT), that they have to "negotiate aggressively for every tiny thing," a stark contrast to previous ceasefires that saw a relaxation of restrictions. The UN and its partners are also facing logistical hurdles, including damaged roads and the initial limited opening of only two border crossings in the south, which has since expanded to a third. These impediments mean that even when aid is available, getting it to the most vulnerable populations, particularly in northern Gaza, remains a significant challenge.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Market Failures

The aid that does enter Gaza is often not enough to ensure a balanced diet. The WFP noted in November 2025 that while commercial trucks are being prioritized by Israeli authorities, the supply is heavy on carbohydrates and packaged foods but light on nutrition. Essential protein-rich foods like meat and eggs are scarce and unaffordable for most families, who have lost their incomes during the conflict. A chicken, for example, can cost as much as $25. This forces a heavy reliance on community kitchens and food parcels, which themselves have faced shortages, forcing partners to alter rations mid-distribution cycle.

The situation is exacerbated by the onset of winter. Heavy rains in mid-November flooded thousands of tents and makeshift shelters, destroying stored food supplies and increasing the risk of disease. UNICEF spokesperson Rosalia Bollen highlighted that basic items like bottles for baby formula and equipment to repair water mains are being blocked, further compounding the public health crisis.

The View from Kenya

While Kenya has limited direct military or diplomatic leverage, it has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution and provided diplomatic support. On Wednesday, 10 October 2025 (EAT), Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi welcomed the ceasefire as a "vital step in easing human suffering in Gaza." Kenya's government has formally codified its support for a two-state solution in a 2025 sessional paper passed by Parliament, a rare legislative step. President William Ruto, speaking at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, 25 September 2025 (EAT), called for a permanent ceasefire and adherence to international humanitarian law.

The Palestinian Authority is also seeking to strengthen its diplomatic ties across Africa. Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin is planning a diplomatic tour that includes a stop in Nairobi for the United Nations Environment Assembly in December, signaling an effort to garner broader support on the continent. For Kenya, the ongoing crisis in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of global peace and the profound human cost of protracted conflicts, reinforcing its foreign policy focus on multilateralism and dialogue.