Only one of eight planned aid convoys reaches Gaza amid access crisis

United Nations officials revealed Wednesday that only one of eight planned humanitarian aid movements successfully entered the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, highlighting the severe access restrictions facing relief operations. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric informed reporters that seven other coordinated aid convoys were either impeded, refused passage, or ultimately canceled.

Humanitarian Access Challenges

Despite these substantial obstacles, UN agencies managed to collect over 200 pallets of medical supplies and five fuel tankers from the Kerem Shalom crossing point, along with additional emergency tents. Dujarric stressed that "Every delivery into Gaza makes a significant difference," while noting the dire healthcare situation where not a single medical facility operates at full capacity, with only half partially functioning across the Palestinian territory.

Medical Evacuation Efforts and Needs

The World Health Organization successfully facilitated the medical evacuation of 33 critically ill Palestinians accompanied by over 100 companions on Monday. However, Dujarric emphasized that more than 16,500 patients still require urgent medical treatment outside the Gaza Strip. The UN spokesperson reiterated calls for "unimpeded humanitarian access" and stated aid organizations could significantly scale up operations "as soon as restrictions on relief items and aid groups are lifted."

Broader Conflict Context

The humanitarian access crisis continues amid the ongoing conflict that began in October 2023. While a ceasefire agreement temporarily halted major military operations in October, Palestinian authorities report at least 342 fatalities from Israeli fire since the truce took effect. Simultaneously, violence in the West Bank has claimed at least 1,082 Palestinian lives, with approximately 11,000 injured and over 20,500 detained. Israel faces international legal scrutiny through International Criminal Court arrest warrants for its leaders and an International Court of Justice genocide case regarding its military campaign in Gaza.