Gaza Crisis Deepens: Israel Closes Key Crossing, Aid Falls Short
Israel has closed the Zikim crossing, the sole route directly connecting Israel to the north where famine is now confirmed. Meanwhile, UNICEF has rushed over 200,000 nutrient-rich baby food packs and 10,000 boxes of high-energy biscuits to aid partners. However, aid reaching Gaza falls short of needs, with access blocked, and the situation worsening.
In just five days, 11 UNRWA shelters housing around 11,000 people in Gaza City have been damaged due to direct or indirect hits. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that the last remaining lifelines for civilians in Gaza City are collapsing as Israel escalates military operations. Over the weekend, Israel halted aid supply imports, further exacerbating the critical humanitarian situation due to shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas broke down in mid-March, more than one million people across the Strip have been displaced, with over 200,000 displacements recorded in the past month alone. Humanitarians have managed to collect nearly 900 pallets of essential medical supplies and over 12,500 metric tonnes of wheat flour, food parcels, and bulk supplies from Israeli-controlled crossings this month.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Phillipe Lazzarini has urged international media to be allowed into the Gaza Strip to combat disinformation. Despite aid efforts, the situation remains dire, with people in need of immediate support. The closure of the Zikim crossing and the halt of aid imports have left many without essential supplies, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to the crisis.
