(MENAFN) Relief efforts in Gaza have intensified since the recent ceasefire, according to United Nations humanitarian officials, who also highlighted new restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities on aid deliveries.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that Israeli officials permitted 817 truckloads of humanitarian aid to enter Gaza on Sunday. Data for Monday remains unavailable, and no aid convoys arrived on Tuesday. Nonetheless, OCHA confirmed that several truckloads from Monday are still waiting to be collected at border crossings for distribution within the Gaza Strip.

OCHA spokesperson Olga Cherevko referenced a statement from Israel limiting daily aid deliveries to 300 truckloads, citing delays by Hamas in releasing the bodies of deceased hostages.

"We have received this important communication from the Israeli authorities, and of course, we continue to encourage the parties to adhere to the agreement that has been set out in the ceasefire granted," Cherevko said during a video briefing from Gaza. "We certainly very much hope that the bodies of the hostages are handed over and that the ceasefire continues to be implemented."

In coordination with partners, OCHA is actively assessing humanitarian needs in previously inaccessible locations. On Tuesday, an OCHA team visited the Al Kateeba neighborhood in Khan Younis, a site that suffered significant destruction during the conflict.

The assessment revealed widespread devastation, with extensive rubble obstructing the area. Local partners have started clearing main roads to enable movement and improve access for humanitarian aid.

"Before October 2023, about 17,000 people lived in Al Kateeba," OCHA stated. "Community members expressed their eagerness to re-establish makeshift shelters near their damaged homes. Residents told OCHA's team that clearing roads, leveling land, restoring water access and receiving shelter support are essential first steps to enable people's safe return and recovery."

OCHA confirmed that the UN and its partners are accelerating efforts under their 60-day response plan to deliver life-saving aid to as many residents as possible.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that within 24 hours of the ceasefire, an emergency medical team was deployed to Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City. Additionally, eight trucks carrying critical medical supplies—including insulin, laboratory materials, and essential medicines—entered the Gaza Strip.

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