UN decries Israeli restrictions on Gaza aid

The United Nations on Wednesday has raised concerns over the severe Israeli restrictions hindering aid efforts in Gaza, where civilians are enduring “horrific levels of violence” amidst relentless hostilities.

“Palestinian civilians endure horrific levels of violence as hostilities continue across the Gaza Strip,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric stated, citing reports from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Between December 22 and January 4, the UN and partners delivered aid to over 2,000 families in southern and central Gaza and assisted about 200 families in Gaza governorate.

However, efforts to reach the besieged North Gaza governorate, where Palestinians have been under blockade for over 90 days, were denied.

Dujarric revealed that “Israeli authorities facilitated only four out of eight of our requests for coordinated humanitarian movements yesterday,” with the remainder denied or canceled due to security or logistical challenges.

Additionally, Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), warned of dire consequences if Israel’s impending ban on the agency takes effect later this month. The ban could disrupt education for 700,000 children and halt essential aid and health services.

UNRWA, established in 1949, supports nearly 5.9 million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

Despite Israel’s accusations linking UNRWA to the October 2023 Hamas attacks, the agency vehemently denies such claims, reaffirming its neutrality.

Amid escalating violence, the Israeli military offensive has killed nearly 46,000 people, primarily women and children, since October 7, 2023, despite international calls for a ceasefire.