Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza as Aid Crossings Stay Closed
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening as key aid crossings remain shut for the third consecutive day, significantly restricting the flow of essential supplies into the war-torn enclave.
Humanitarian Aid Blocked at Crossings
Speaking to reporters at the United Nations headquarters in New York, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric highlighted that the Kerem Shalom, Zikim, and Erez crossings remain closed, preventing the entry of desperately needed aid.
“The Israeli authorities have denied our requests to retrieve humanitarian supplies that had already crossed into Kerem Shalom before the closure,” Dujarric stated, citing the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
He warned that keeping the crossings shut would have “devastating consequences,” given the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza. He urged Member States and influential parties to take all necessary measures to maintain the ceasefire and restore aid flow.
Aid Must Not Be Weaponized, Says UNRWA Chief
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), called on Israel to reverse its decision to halt humanitarian aid, emphasizing the critical consequences of such restrictions.
“Humanitarian aid must continue at the same scale as during the past six weeks of the ceasefire. This assistance provided relief and hope to those in need,” Lazzarini said in a statement on social media platform X.
He stressed that the vast majority of Gaza’s population depends on aid for basic survival, with access to water, medical care, and electricity as vital complements to food supplies.
“Aid and essential services must never be used as weapons of war,” Lazzarini asserted.
Humanitarian Services Continue Despite Restrictions
Despite these challenges, UN agencies and humanitarian partners are working to sustain relief efforts inside Gaza.
Medical services are slowly resuming, with the dialysis unit at Al Rantisi Children’s Hospital in Gaza City back in operation, along with a 25-bed in-patient unit. Additionally, pediatric care has resumed at the Indonesian Hospital in North Gaza.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 29 child patients and 43 accompanying individuals were evacuated from Gaza to Jordan via Israel for specialized medical treatment—the first such WHO-supported evacuation since the ceasefire began in January.
Within Gaza, WHO has also distributed hygiene and sanitation supplies to thousands of displaced women and girls, warning that lack of clean water and sanitation could exacerbate mental health issues.
Violence Escalates in the West Bank
Meanwhile, tensions have intensified in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin, where Israeli military operations have led to further displacement and destruction.
Israeli forces ordered evacuations in parts of Jenin city, displacing around 30 families, including some who had already been forced from their homes due to previous conflicts.
Dujarric reported that Israeli forces used bulldozers, damaging infrastructure and causing power outages. Additional movement and access restrictions in and out of the city have further worsened conditions for residents.
Urgent Call for Action
With the humanitarian situation deteriorating and aid supplies being blocked, UN officials are urging immediate action to reopen crossings and ensure the continuous flow of life-saving assistance to Gaza’s vulnerable population.
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