Gaza: Israeli authorities have denied several United Nations-planned humanitarian aid missions to Gaza, worsening an already critical situation for Palestinians as the blockade on the Strip continues into its seventh week.
Stephanie Tremblay, Associate Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated that out of six aid movements coordinated with Israel on Wednesday, only two were permitted. The other four, including a crucial mission to collect fuel from Rafah, were blocked.
Since March, Israel has stopped all aid from entering Gaza, cut off electricity, resumed heavy bombings, and expanded its military presence. These actions have deepened the humanitarian crisis, which the United Nations now considers the worst since the war began in October 2023. The people of Gaza are facing extreme shortages of food, water, medical supplies, and fuel, with hospitals barely able to function.
Hopes for relief remain bleak. On the same day, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that no humanitarian aid would be allowed into Gaza. He also confirmed that Israeli troops would remain stationed indefinitely in what Israel calls “security zones” inside the Strip.
The international community, including aid agencies and human rights groups, continues to raise alarm over the worsening conditions. However, with Israel maintaining strict control and denying access even to the UN, the crisis in Gaza shows no signs of easing.
