UN warns Gaza crisis worsening without unrestricted aid

The United Nations (UN) warned Friday that Gaza’s humanitarian disaster could get even worse without urgent, unrestricted aid deliveries as ongoing delays and interference continue blocking supplies from reaching desperate civilians, according to the official statement distributed by the organization. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said bottlenecks at holding points and problems loading aid at crossing platforms are seriously hampering relief efforts. The UN needs to deliver aid at scale using community networks to reach the most vulnerable people.

The numbers paint a grim picture of just how bad things have gotten. Between May 27 and August 8, the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah treated over 4,500 wounded patients – most got hurt trying to reach food distribution sites. Many were injured in crowd crushes or attacked and robbed right after getting critical food aid.

On Thursday alone, Israeli authorities blocked or delayed several aid missions. Out of 12 operations that needed coordination, only five went smoothly. Four got cancelled by organizers, and three others faced delays before eventually getting through. The starvation crisis keeps getting worse, with more deaths reported, especially among children. Hospitals can’t handle the growing number of malnourished patients, and many have run out of bed space.

Energy shortages are making everything harder. Cooking gas hasn’t been available in Gaza’s markets for five months, and firewood costs too much for most families. People are burning waste and scrap wood to cook, which creates serious health and environmental dangers.

Dujarric stressed that civilians must be protected if military operations expand in Gaza City. People fleeing need protection and essential supplies, plus the right to return home safely when possible. The UN also repeated its call for immediate, unconditional release of all hostages held in the Strip.