UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric briefed journalists in New York on Wednesday, stating that hostilities in parts of the Gaza Strip continue to cause casualties and disrupt humanitarian operations. On Tuesday, the UN and its partners planned eight humanitarian movements inside Gaza with Israeli authorities. However, only one was facilitated, with the rest hindered, refused, or canceled. Despite difficulties, UN teams retrieved over 200 pallets of medicine and five fuel tanker trucks at the Kerem Shalom/Kerem Abu Salem border post, and additional tents at the Kissufim crossing. Dujarric emphasized that every delivery to Gaza significantly impacts the situation.
Gaza’s health system is in extreme fragility, with not a single hospital fully functional. Of the Strip’s 36 hospitals, only 18 are partially operational. On Monday, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) facilitated the medical evacuation of 33 Palestinians needing intensive care, along with over 100 accompanying individuals. Despite these efforts, more than 16,500 patients still require medical care outside Gaza. WHO continues to advocate for safe access to evacuation routes, particularly to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and calls for expedited medical evacuation convoys at crossing points.
UN agencies strive to maintain essential civilian services. The United Nations agency aiding Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) provides learning activities for displaced children in Gaza. As of Sunday, UNRWA operated nearly 350 temporary learning spaces in 64 shelters, offering in-person education to over 47,000 children. Humanitarians also provide other essential support.
Dujarric stated that the United Nations and its partners are ready to expand operations if restrictions ease. He called for unhindered humanitarian access so teams can reach everyone in need, emphasizing that much more can be done if restrictions on essential items and humanitarian groups are lifted.
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