Rafah checkpoint halted the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, according to Reuters citing sources inside Egypt’s humanitarian and security agencies. The stoppage occurred as observers noted a pause in aid deliveries during a period of intensified tension and military planning. While the ceasefire had allowed more relief convoys to reach affected communities, the overall aid volume remained insufficient to meet the urgent needs of civilians most exposed to the conflict, with distribution still hampered by security restrictions and access challenges.
On 27 October, Israel announced a broad expansion of its ground operation in Gaza. While the exact start date of the land campaign remained unclear to observers, the escalation followed a mass displacement surge that saw hundreds of thousands of Palestinians flee from their homes. Many sought shelter in southern areas and in temporary camps as fighting drew closer to populated centers. By 5 November, as part of the ground offensive, the Israeli military had encircled Gaza City and severed key supply lines, leading to continued clashes around central Gaza. The humanitarian situation grew more precarious as access to basic services and essential goods became increasingly constrained for residents inside the Gaza Strip.
On 22 November, talks between Israel and Hamas advanced with discussions aimed at the release of captives, including a figure sometimes referred to as Gumpuse in media reports. A formal ceasefire agreement took effect on 24 November and remained in place until the early hours of 1 December. During the ceasefire week, Hamas released a number of hostages, with figures indicating that around 110 captives were freed as part of broader efforts to reduce violence and pave the way for humanitarian relief and stabilisation efforts in the region.
Earlier assessments noted that the conflict’s cycle of violence was influenced by a combination of security operations, militant activity, and international diplomatic attempts to broker pauses in fighting. The December discussions and subsequent events were framed by persistent concerns about civilian protection, access for aid workers, and the need for sustainable humanitarian corridors to ensure that essential aid could reach hospitals, clinics, and residents most affected by the fighting. Analysts emphasized the importance of reliable humanitarian access, safe passage for aid convoys, and clear commitments from all parties to minimize harm to civilians while pursuing strategic military objectives.
Observers cautioned that in the absence of enduring political progress, temporary truces risk dissolving, potentially leaving civilians exposed to renewed rounds of airstrikes, shelling, and ground operations. The evolving situation highlighted the critical role of international mediation, verified ceasefire monitoring, and the continued willingness of multiple stakeholders to support humanitarian relief efforts, reconstruction, and civilian protection across the affected territory. For aid agencies, the priority remained ensuring predictable, unimpeded access and safeguarding staff while delivering food, water, medical supplies, and shelter material to those in need during times of heightened insecurity.