Israeli restrictions cripple humanitarian organisations in Gaza

The United Nations has said it could expand the delivery of humanitarian aid to people in Gaza if the Israeli occupation authorities lifted the restrictions and obstacles they impose on the entry of relief materials.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Israeli authorities have refused the entry of several essential items into the Gaza Strip, claiming they fall outside the scope of humanitarian assistance or are classified as “dual-use” items.

OCHA said these items include vehicles and spare parts, solar panels, mobile toilets, X-ray machines, and electric generators.

The office noted that since the ceasefire, Israel has rejected 107 requests to bring in relief materials, including blankets, winter clothes and tools and materials to maintain and operate water, sanitation and hygiene services.   

It added that 90 per cent of the rejected requests were submitted by 30 local and international non-governmental organisations. More than half of the requests were denied on the grounds that they were not authorised to deliver aid to Gaza.

The United Nations also pointed out that a lack of sufficient warehouses inside the Strip remains one of the main challenges to maintaining the 60-day humanitarian response plan.

READ: WHO says over 16,500 people in Gaza need urgent medical care