Rabat – The United Nations on Friday sounded the alarm over severe challenges to humanitarian efforts in Gaza, revealing that nearly 90% of aid movements between northern and southern parts of the region have been either blocked or delayed by Israeli authorities throughout September.
“Humanitarian aid movements in Gaza continue to face significant access constraints,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric during a press briefing.
He added that internal movement restrictions by Israeli forces have risen by 20% since June, further complicating the situation on the ground.
The escalation of Israeli restrictions follows an intensification of the blockade, especially since October 7, when tensions flared in the occupied West Bank.
“The deployment or maintenance of hundreds of movement obstacles and a general closure that affects Palestinian permit holders, barring them from accessing East Jerusalem and Israel, has exacerbated the crisis,” Dujarric noted.
These restrictions have left thousands of Palestinians cut off from vital services and livelihoods. The fragmentation of the West Bank continues to deepen as checkpoints, roadblocks, and closures stifle movement, according to the UN.
Living conditions in Gaza have reached critical levels, with worsening shortages of food, clean water, and essential supplies.
Dujarric painted a grim picture of overcrowded shelters, where displaced families lack basic hygiene products, clothing, and infant care items. He warned that the situation could deteriorate further as the region faces harsh winter conditions.
The ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza has claimed the lives of over 41,500 people according to local health officials. Nearly the entire population of Gaza has been displaced amid the assault, which has also left 96,000 injured.
