Unrwa says Israel still blocking critical aid despite ceasefire

A ceasefire was supposed to ease Gaza’s chokehold and allow desperately needed supplies to move in. But Unrwa says Israel continues to hold back convoys, particularly those linked to the agency, prolonging the humanitarian crisis.

Tamara Alrifai, Unrwa’s director of communications, said the agency still faces sweeping restrictions despite its central role in the enclave. “Unrwa is under double the amount of scrutiny and restrictions than other agencies despite being the largest agency there,” she said, noting that stockpiles in Egypt and Jordan could immediately fill 6,000 lorries if Israel allowed them through.

Bottlenecks at the few crossings that remain open have left long lines of aid trucks idling for days, she added, as Israeli inspections drag on.

Alrifai said Israeli authorities continue to block basic goods by branding them as “dual use” items, an approach aid groups say has no connection to civilian needs but everything to do with deepening the siege. “Israel, during the inspection and the scrutiny, would take out many items that are extremely needed, especially in this winter situation,” she said