NRC says Israel blocked 23 Gaza aid requests since ceasefire

Since the ceasefire took effect on 10 October, Israeli authorities have rejected 23 requests from nine aid agencies to bring in essential shelter materials, such as tents, sealing kits, and blankets, nearly 4,000 pallets in total, to displaced Palestinians in Gaza, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said.

Millions of items remain stuck in Jordan, Egypt and Israel awaiting approval, as 260,000 Palestinian families exposed to worsening conditions in Gaza remain without proper shelter as winter rains and cold set in, the organisation said.

“We have a very short chance to protect families from the winter rains and cold,” said Angelita Caredda, NRC’s Middle East and North Africa regional director.

“Gaza should be receiving a surge of shelter materials, but only a fraction of what is needed has entered.”