The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has highlighted the necessity of reopening land crossings as the most feasible and efficient method for delivering aid to the Gaza Strip.
In a recent statement released on the X platform, UNRWA emphasized, “While we welcome the arrival of the first shipments at the new floating dock, land routes remain the most viable, efficient, safe, and effective way to deliver aid.”
The agency reported that since May 6, only 69 trucks have reached southern Gaza, stressing the urgent need to reopen crossings and ensure safe access to prevent the ongoing humanitarian disaster.
On Monday, UNRWA revealed that over 810,000 individuals have fled Rafah in southern Gaza over the past two weeks due to escalating violence.
In a poignant Facebook post, UNRWA stated, “Displacement continues in Gaza, and each time families are forced to flee, their lives are put in significant danger.
People are compelled to leave everything behind in search of safety, yet no area remains safe. A ceasefire is needed now.”
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq emphasized that the proposed sea corridor cannot replace existing land crossings, although he welcomed any efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
He expressed gratitude to the United States and Cyprus for working – with support from other member states – on establishing a sea corridor as an additional route for delivering relief to Gaza.
The situation in Gaza has intensified following a comprehensive military offensive by Israel in response to attacks from Palestinian armed factions, notably Hamas, targeting Israeli bases and settlements near the Gaza periphery since October 7.
