Unrwa says Israel is blocking aid as Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsens

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (Unrwa) says Gaza remains in a catastrophic state despite the ceasefire, accusing Israel of blocking its international staff and choking the entry of aid. Around 6,000 food trucks are stalled at the crossings.

• The agency warns that more than 90 percent of Gaza’s population now survives entirely on aid. Many families receive only one meal a day, while just 170 trucks are allowed in, far below what is required for basic survival.

• Unrwa is running 100 shelters for over 80,000 displaced people and continues to provide schooling to around 300,000 students remotely and 50,000 in person under severe conditions.

• About 44,000 children study inside 330 makeshift learning spaces in 59 shelters. Many sit directly on cold floors due to the lack of chairs, which the agency says harms their sense of security and stability.

• Unrwa links the collapse of Gaza’s education system to Israel’s genocidal assault since 7 October 2023, which destroyed schools and forced emergency shelters to become classrooms.

• Clinics supported by Unrwa receive around 15,000 patients each day through 7 fixed centres and 35 mobile points. Since 7 October, medical visits have exceeded 15 million as malnutrition soars.

• The agency said 380 staff members have been killed by Israel, and 90 percent of its nearly 300 facilities have been damaged by Israeli bombing.