The United Nations says Israel has closed all Gaza crossings and suspended humanitarian movements, halting vital aid and medical evacuations for the besieged population.
HAMILTON: The United Nations has stated that Israel has closed all crossings into the Gaza Strip and suspended humanitarian movements in and near areas where its forces remain deployed.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed the closures at a news conference. He said the suspension also includes the planned rotation of UN humanitarian personnel.
Medical evacuations and the return of people into Gaza have also been halted as a result. Dujarric stressed that people in Gaza rely on consistent aid deliveries for survival.
He warned that the limited storage capacity and widespread destruction in the war-torn area make a sustained flow of supplies critical. The UN and its partners cannot maintain this under a full blockade.
“It is imperative that all crossings be reopened as soon as possible,” Dujarric added.
In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces have kept most checkpoints closed. This restricts movement between Palestinian cities and limits access to livelihoods and essential services.
Dujarric reiterated that international humanitarian law is clear. He stated civilians must be protected and their essential needs met through unimpeded humanitarian assistance.
The development follows a joint US and Israel attack on Iran. Iran responded by targeting Israeli and US bases in the region with missiles and drones.
Israel subsequently declared a nationwide state of emergency.
