The United Nations reported on Thursday that Israeli authorities have rejected more than 100 requests to deliver relief materials to Gaza since a ceasefire took effect nearly a month ago.
Deputy UN Spokesperson Farhan Haq told journalists in New York that 107 aid requests—including blankets, winter clothing, and equipment for water, sanitation, and hygiene services—have been denied. Nearly 90 percent of the rejections came from more than 30 local and international NGOs. More than half of the refusals were reportedly because the organizations were not authorized to bring aid into Gaza.
“These restrictions continue to hamper humanitarian efforts, even as the UN and its partners strive to deliver aid under the current 60-day plan,” Haq said. Some items were also classified by Israeli authorities as outside the scope of humanitarian aid or labeled “dual-use,” including solar panels, generators, and vehicle parts.
Although the ceasefire between Hamas and Israeli forces remains fragile, reports of military activity persist in Gaza. Haq noted that residential buildings continue to be struck in areas where Israeli forces are deployed, including eastern Khan Younis, eastern Gaza City, and Rafah on the southern border. OCHA has reminded the Israeli military of its obligation to protect civilians and aid workers during operations.
Population movements in Gaza remain fluid, with over 680,000 people relocating from southern to northern areas since the ceasefire began. However, many displaced families have expressed a preference to stay in their current locations due to extensive destruction, limited alternatives, and uncertainty over safety and essential services.
Despite the obstacles, the UN and its partners have managed to reach tens of thousands of households with food, cash assistance, and other essential services. “The impact of the humanitarian scale-up is already clear, yet far more could be done if remaining impediments were removed,” Haq said.
