NEW YORK, (The Palestine Foundation Pakistan)
The United Nations has reiterated its readiness to expand humanitarian assistance to the people of the Gaza Strip, provided that the arbitrary restrictions and measures imposed by the Israeli occupation authorities on the entry of relief materials into the besieged enclave are lifted.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that Israeli authorities continue to reject the entry of several essential items, claiming they fall outside the scope of humanitarian aid or are classified as “dual-use” goods. According to OCHA, these items include vehicles and spare parts, solar panels, portable toilets, X-ray machines, and electric generators.
Since the ceasefire, Israel has denied the entry of 107 relief shipments containing blankets, winter clothing, and equipment needed to maintain and operate water and sanitation facilities. About 90 percent of the denied requests were made by 30 local and international NGOs, allegedly on the grounds that they are unauthorized to deliver aid.
The UN also pointed out that one of the key challenges it faces in Gaza is the shortage of warehouses to store relief materials, which obstructs the sustainability of the 60-day humanitarian response plan.
Gaza continues to suffer the devastating effects of the Israeli war that began on October 7, 2023, which has resulted in over 238,000 Palestinian deaths and injuries, most of them women and children, in addition to more than 11,000 missing persons. This has created a severe humanitarian crisis and worsening famine, amid international disregard for International Court of Justice rulings calling for an end to the assault.
US President Donald Trump had announced on October 9, 2025, an interim agreement between Israel and Hamas, reached in Sharm El-Sheikh with the participation of Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, under American sponsorship.
Under the deal, Hamas released 20 Israeli captives alive on October 13, while Israeli estimates indicate the remains of 28 other captives have yet to be handed over, of which Hamas handed over 20 corpses so far.
The second phase of the agreement, which has not yet been implemented due to Israeli refusal, includes the formation of a community support committee to manage civil and relief affairs in Gaza and oversee reconstruction efforts.
Palestinian and international entities have warned that any administration not based on national unity and genuine Palestinian sovereignty will remain vulnerable to manipulation and political collapse.
