Since the ceasefire came into effect, Salama has returned to his home to film what remains of it. His family’s house was completely destroyed at the beginning of the war. He and his family also lived in his father’s house, but that too was destroyed during the last invasion. I think about how difficult that must be. To have lived through two years of war, and then to see that your home has been destroyed and that you have to rebuild it.

In addition, according to Salama, reconnaissance aircraft are still circling above them.

On 21 October, he writes:

The displaced fear the return of war.

Furthermore, hardly any humanitarian aid is entering Gaza, and no building materials are being allowed into Gaza so that homes can be rebuilt. Dr. Mohammed Darabeh, a psychiatrist from Gaza, writes on social media: What has entered of medicines and medical supplies amounts to less than 10% of what Gaza’s healthcare system urgently needs. No crossings have been opened to allow patients to leave for treatment. Hospitals remain overwhelmed and under-equipped, there is a severe shortage of hospital beds, a critical lack of imaging and laboratory equipment, and a devastating shortage of neonatal incubators.

Thanks to God, the local Peace SOS Gaza team managed to provide a water truck with drinking water to the thirsty population on Monday 20 October. Salama sends videos and an adorable child says: ‘Shukran peace.’ Some people applaud. However, someone to whom I sent the video remarks that it is sad that this is necessary. And of course it is. I write to him that I have called on the Foreign Secretary on LinkedIn to allow at least the agreed 600 lorries per day – 1,000 would be better – to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. ‘But he’s not listening!’ the professor replies. It is indeed horrific. It is always good to give people water, food, drink and medical care, to take care of each other. No matter what.

Hopefully, our government will respect the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). On Wednesday 22 October, the ICJ stated that Israel is obliged to allow aid, such as that provided by the UN agency UNRWA, into the Palestinian Territories and may not prevent it. Given that the Netherlands is an important ally of Israel, I hope that the Dutch government will strongly urge Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Yesterday, Wednesday 22 October, the NOS also reported that the bodies of Palestinians who died in Israeli custody display signs of torture and mutilation, such as bound hands, gunshot wounds and severed fingers… Of course, people should not be tortured; that is appalling. The Netherlands should also address this issue with Israel. Children and people who are being held without charge – in so-called administrative detention – should be released. All prisoners should also be treated well.

Let us treat each other with love. Let us care for each other and nature. Hopefully, there will soon be: A World Where All Children Can Play.

Author: May-May Meijer, founder Peace SOS

Photo: People returning to their homes in Gaza after the ceasefire, photo received via Salama, date 10 October 2025

Note: This article was published in Dutch under the title:  Laat humanitaire hulp toe in Gaza on the Joop BNNVARA website on 23 October 2025.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)