UN: Nearly all Gaza aid movements denied at Kerem Shalom crossing

Nearly all humanitarian aid movements to Gaza through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom border crossing were denied over the past two days, sharply limiting the delivery of critical supplies into the enclave, the UN said Friday. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters that "the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), tells us that today and yesterday, nearly all humanitarian movements to the Kerem Shalo crossings were denied."

Fuel only

"As a result, we have been able to collect fuel, but nothing else," Dujarric said. He added that supplies brought into the crossing have not been allowed to enter Gaza despite being offloaded, leaving essential food, medical supplies and other humanitarian goods stranded.

Crossing closures

Dujarric said Kerem Shalom remains the only operational crossing into Gaza, while the Rafah and Zikim crossings have remained closed since the start of the US-Israeli joint attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, which led to broader regional escalation. The closure of alternative entry points has made Gaza's humanitarian lifeline increasingly precarious.

Humanitarian context

The aid restrictions come as Gaza's population faces severe shortages of food, water, medicine and shelter after months of conflict. The UN and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned of catastrophic conditions in the enclave, where most of the population has been displaced and civilian infrastructure extensively damaged.

Conflict context

Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, killing around 1,300 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The escalation has drawn in multiple fronts and affected humanitarian operations across the region, including critical aid deliveries to Gaza.