Why the Gaza ceasefire must hold. A first-person account by Jack Bailey, ShelterBox’s programme manager – Gaza
A first person piece by Jack Bailey, ShelterBox's programme manager for Gaza, following the ceasefire.
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Credit: Mohammed Zaanoun
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What is happening in Gaza?
After 15 months of devastating conflict, a temporary ceasefire came into effect in Gaza on 19 January 2025. This means there is a pause in the conflict.
Up to 1.9 million people are currently displaced across Gaza. Access to water, food and medicine is very difficult. It’s made worse by fuel shortages.
Without electricity, people cannot use lights in the dark evenings, keep warm, or cook food. 2.2 million people are at imminent risk of famine.
Photo credit: Mohammed Zaanoun
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Is the ceasefire holding in Gaza?
Although lots of uncertainty remains, the ceasefire is currently being held. This gives people in Gaza a chance to rebuild their lives and for essential aid to enter the region.
Where is Gaza?
The Gaza Strip is located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Egypt on the southwest and Israel on the east and north.
Gaza is one of the most densely populated places in the world. 2.3 million people live on this narrow strip of land, measuring just 141 square miles (41km wide by 10km wide).
Families are unable to leave. Forced to move again and again in search of safety. But land, sea and air bombardments are making that near impossible. There are large areas cut off and people are continuously on the move.
Photo credit: Mohammed Zaanoun
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How much aid is getting into Gaza?
Throughout the crisis, getting aid into Gaza has been slow and unpredictable. The January 2025 ceasefire means there should be better access for aid into, and through, Gaza.
Hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza have been without adequate shelter. Getting aid into Gaza remains extremely challenging. So ShelterBox has been working with local partners, who were already present in Gaza, to source and distribute essential aid.
How ShelterBox is supporting people in Gaza?
We have been providing tents and other emergency items to support war-torn communities in Gaza. Together with MAP (Medical Aid for Palestinians) we sourced aid items in Egypt and Türkiye, which we were then able to distribute in Gaza with the help of MAP and local organisation the Social Development Forum (SDF). This included items such as tarpaulin, rope, tape and plastic sheeting to make shelters watertight, as well as kitchen sets, bedding and hygiene kits.
We have also been distributing tents in Gaza, and more are on the way. Tents are being distributed by MAP and SDF alongside another partner PARC (the Agricultural Development Association).
Our incredible supporters make all this possible. Thank you.
Photo credit: Mohammed Zaanoun
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