UN Calls for Immediate “Unhindered Access”

The United Nations humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has called on Israel to immediately open additional crossings into the Gaza Strip to allow a surge of humanitarian aid. Fletcher emphasized that the current number of trucks entering Gaza is far below what is needed to address the humanitarian crisis following the two-year conflict.

“We have 190,000 metric tonnes of provisions on the borders waiting to go in, and we’re determined to deliver. That’s essential life-saving food and nutrition,” Fletcher said.

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Scale of the Humanitarian Crisis

The Gaza war has left nearly all of the 2.2 million residents displaced, with widespread famine reported in the north. Israeli bombardments have killed nearly 68,000 Palestinians and destroyed vast swaths of infrastructure, leaving the territory in a near-total wasteland.

Despite the ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump and regional leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh, access for aid convoys remains severely limited. Fletcher warned that thousands of humanitarian trucks are needed weekly to avert further catastrophe.

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Aid Delivery Challenges

• Only 600 trucks have been approved to enter Gaza under the current ceasefire deal, which Fletcher described as a “good base” but insufficient.
• Major roads in Gaza City remain blocked or destroyed, preventing aid from reaching residents.
• Israeli forces maintain control over large parts of Gaza, limiting access for civilians and humanitarian organizations.
• Sporadic attacks continue despite the ceasefire, with at least three deaths reported since Wednesday morning.

Fletcher stressed the importance of international NGOs, such as Oxfam and the Norwegian Refugee Council, being allowed to deliver aid, stating:

“We cannot deliver the scale necessary without their presence and engagement. We want to see them back in. We are advocating on their behalf.”

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Role of Palestinian Authority and Rafah Crossing

The Palestinian Authority (PA) has offered to operate the Rafah crossing, previously managed with EU support. Medical evacuations are a priority, Fletcher said, based on talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and PA President Mahmoud Abbas.

However, the crossing remains closed, as Israel insists Hamas hand over the remains of the last Israeli captives, per the ceasefire agreement.

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Returns of Bodies and Forensic Identification

• The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the transfer of two more coffins from northern Gaza to Israeli authorities.
• Gaza’s Health Ministry reported receiving the bodies of 45 Palestinians previously held in Israeli custody, bringing the total returned to 90.
• US President Trump acknowledged the recovery of bodies remains a “gruesome process” due to destruction and rubble.

“They’re digging. They’re actually digging and finding a lot of bodies, and then they have to separate the bodies,” Trump said.

The ICRC emphasized that cooperation from all parties is essential to ensure the safe return of remains to families.