UN chief warns of Gaza aid crisis as Israel seals crossings

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday conveyed deep concern over Israel's decision to close the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings into the Gaza Strip and suspend humanitarian and commercial supplies, according to spokesperson Farhan Haq. Speaking at a news conference in Hamilton, Canada, Haq cited the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in reporting that Israeli authorities shut the Kerem Shalom crossing — the only cargo gateway operational for the past two weeks — following missile attacks toward Israel since Sunday night.

Aid operations frozen

Humanitarians were permitted to collect cargo from the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom before the closure took full effect, Haq said, adding that the Rafah crossing was also sealed. "As of right now, none of the crossing points are open," he told reporters, noting that while aid distribution continues within Gaza, no supplies are entering from outside. "Humanitarian needs remain immense, and access must remain predictable, sustained, and unimpeded," he added.

Calls for reopening

Guterres called for the immediate resumption of humanitarian movements at scale into and throughout Gaza, urging all parties to facilitate rapid, safe, and unhindered delivery of assistance in accordance with international humanitarian law. Haq underscored that the UN does not accept the closures, stating: "We want the previous system of normal humanitarian traffic, normal commercial traffic to be restored." The UN chief emphasized that humanitarian assistance is indispensable for the survival of civilians in the territory.