The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has reported that Israeli restrictions and continued border closures are significantly limiting the flow of goods into Gaza, according to Al Jazeera. The Karem Abu Salem crossing, known in Israel as Kerem Shalom, which sits at the junction of Israel, Egypt, and Gaza, remains a critical bottleneck for humanitarian supplies.
Declining Aid Delivery at Key Crossing
Last week, only 42 per cent of aid supplies arriving through Egypt and 65 per cent of shipments coming from Ashdod port were able to be offloaded at the crossing. This represents a substantial reduction in the volume of assistance reaching those in need. The United Nations and its partners delivered approximately 42,000 pallets of assistance to Gaza in June, down from about 46,600 pallets in May.
All Other Crossings Closed to Cargo
All other crossings remain closed to cargo traffic, while restrictions on the entry of certain categories of supplies continue, Al Jazeera reported, citing OCHA. The sustained limitations have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where basic necessities such as food, medicine, and fuel are in critically short supply.
UNOCHA Delegation Visits UAE Field Hospital
Earlier, a delegation from OCHA visited the UAE Field Hospital in the Gaza Strip to review its medical services and discuss ways to strengthen humanitarian coordination. The delegation, which included senior OCHA and World Health Organization (WHO) officials, toured the hospital's departments, received a briefing on its healthcare operations, and held discussions with the UAE medical team on enhancing cooperation to sustain healthcare services and improve the humanitarian response in Gaza. The visit concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts, highlighting continued collaboration between the UAE and international humanitarian organisations.
