UNRWA: Israel Continues to Block Aid Entry to Gaza

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) stated that the situation in the Gaza Strip remains critical, with Israel continuing to prevent the entry of humanitarian aid.

UNRWA said it persists in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees in health, education, shelter, and food assistance despite significant challenges. The agency noted that the amount of aid permitted by Israel covers only a limited portion of the needs amid rising displacement.

UNRWA called for the removal of restrictions and the facilitation of immediate humanitarian aid entry into Gaza. It reported that approximately 2.4 million Palestinians live in Gaza, with about 1.5 million displaced. Residents face a severe humanitarian crisis due to a multi-year blockade.

In a prior statement, UNRWA urged Israeli authorities to allow the transfer of aid stockpiled in warehouses in Egypt and Jordan. The agency emphasized that vital aid is ready for dispatch, but prolonged prevention of goods entry has stalled civilian assistance.

UNRWA reiterated its request to Israeli authorities for permission to move humanitarian equipment from Egyptian and Jordanian warehouses into Gaza to begin distribution amid deteriorating conditions. It stated that since March 2025, Israeli authorities have blocked food, medical supplies, drugs, and temporary shelter equipment, complicating the humanitarian and livelihood situation.

All life-saving aid is packaged and ready, with logistics to commence upon approval, UNRWA said. The agency warned that continued prevention of these essential items would have catastrophic consequences for hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees dependent on them.