Over 900 obstacles hamper West Bank aid access: UN

Humanitarian access across the occupied West Bank continues to face severe restrictions due to a sprawling network of over 900 physical barriers, according to a UN statement issued on Friday. Daniela Gross De Almeida, an associate spokesperson, told reporters that the extensive system of checkpoints, gates, and roadblocks is delaying critical relief operations and preventing aid from reaching vulnerable Palestinian communities. The restrictions, she explained, have created a persistent shortfall in essential services across the region.

Families trapped near Nablus

In the village of Qusra, located near Nablus, three Palestinian families have been confined to their homes since Tuesday after a settlement outpost was established nearby, further tightening access to the area. De Almeida noted that aid workers and municipal teams have been unable to reach these families, leaving them isolated and without basic necessities. She also highlighted that protection efforts for Palestinians have proven largely ineffective, with settlers reportedly reinstalling a tent that Israeli forces had dismantled just a day earlier.

Gaza's ongoing humanitarian challenges

Turning to the Gaza Strip, the UN spokesperson confirmed that humanitarian teams continue to deliver vital assistance despite persistent insecurity and movement restrictions. Over the past week, aid organizations mobilized rapid support for individuals who lost their shelters or were displaced due to attacks, domestic fires, and other incidents. According to the UN, nearly 290 households have been affected in more than a dozen reported incidents, resulting in the loss of belongings and shelter. The ongoing challenges underscore the fragility of humanitarian operations in both the West Bank and Gaza.