The UN has warned of worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, as Israel reopened only one crossing into the besieged Palestinian territory amid food shortages and a sharp decline in meals to civilians.
Citing the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq reported at a news conference on Tuesday that “Israeli authorities reopened the Kerem Shalom Crossing, which remains the only crossing point for approved cargo to enter Gaza.”
“Meanwhile, the UN and our humanitarian partners continue to respond to people’s needs despite bureaucratic hurdles and funding shortfalls, to maintain the response and reach as many vulnerable people as possible,” he added.
Despite ongoing aid efforts, “needs remain immense,” he said, noting that “tens of thousands of families are living in overcrowded shelters, while many others continue to sleep outdoors or in damaged buildings.”
As temperatures rise, tents and makeshift shelters “trap heat and become uninhabitable during the day,” said Haq, adding that partners have urged the entry of critical supplies, including sandbags, timber, plywood and cement.
