The United Nations has condemned the worsening restrictions on aid entering Gaza, describing it as the most severe since the Israel-Hamas war began over a year ago, with children being hit especially hard by the crisis.
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder highlighted the deteriorating situation in Gaza, stating, “Every day, the situation for children worsens.” He pointed to the destruction caused by Israel’s retaliatory strikes after the October 7 Hamas attack last year, which has left large parts of Gaza in ruins.
Israel has intensified its operations in northern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are trapped, according to the UN. Elder expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian access, noting that August saw the lowest level of aid entering Gaza since the conflict began. He added that in recent days, no commercial trucks had been allowed into the territory.
Elder warned, “We are now witnessing probably the worst restrictions on humanitarian aid ever.” Despite efforts earlier in the year to open new routes and access points, Elder said there has been a complete reversal, with aid entry points consistently blocked since May.
Northern Gaza, Elder noted, hasn’t received any food aid throughout October, leaving the region “essentially unlivable” due to the lack of aid, constant strikes, and widespread evacuation orders affecting around 85 percent of the territory.
