In his daily briefing, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized that ongoing delays, bottlenecks, and interference at crossing platforms are hindering efforts to collect and distribute supplies to those in need.
“It is imperative that the UN and its humanitarian partners are enabled to deliver aid at scale, using community-based mechanisms to reach the most vulnerable,” he stated.
The Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah treated over 4,500 injured patients between May 27 and August 8, mostly injured while attempting to reach food distribution sites.
Many were injured in crowd crushes or faced theft or violence after receiving food aid.
Of 12 aid missions requiring coordination with Israeli authorities on Thursday, five were facilitated without issues. Four were canceled, and three were impeded but eventually completed, including food aid collection from Zikim and Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossings.
There is an ongoing starvation crisis, with increasing deaths, especially among children. Hospitals are struggling with rising malnutrition cases, and many facilities have run out of bed space.
Energy shortages are worsening the crisis, and cooking gas has been unavailable in Gaza’s markets for five months, with firewood becoming unaffordable.
“More people are using waste and scrap wood for cooking, worsening health and protection risks and causing environmental hazards,” Dujarric added.
He also emphasized the protection of civilians if military operations expand in Gaza City.
“Fleeing civilians must be protected, have their essential needs met, and must be able to voluntarily return when possible. If they choose to stay, they should not be threatened or at risk,” he said.
Dujarric reiterated the UN’s call for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held in the Strip.
Leave a Reply