Algerian Radio
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that the closure of crossings along the Gaza perimeter continues to undermine humanitarian operations. It noted that the persistent closure of the Zikim crossing forces aid workers to reroute vital supplies through the Karem Abu Salem crossing in the south, currently the only operational gateway, which is a significantly longer and more costly route.
OCHA reported that two days ago, some humanitarian workers were allowed to rotate in and out of Gaza for the first time since the escalation of violence began on February 28. This movement occurred via the Karem Abu Salem; however, medical evacuations and the return of Palestinians from abroad remain suspended as the Rafah crossing continues to be closed.
In the meantime, the United Nations and its partners continue to seize every opportunity to support those in need and scale up their humanitarian operations wherever possible.
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ramiz Alakbarov, also condemned the killing and wounding of Palestinians in attacks carried out by Zionist settlers.
He warned that “this violence is intensifying and compounding the grave risks faced by Palestinians in the region,” calling on the Zionist entity to prevent such attacks, and emphasizing the necessity for the Zionist entity to ensure the protection of civilians and hold those responsible accountable.
The ongoing closure of checkpoints throughout the West Bank continues to undermine Palestinians' access to services and workplaces, as well as the movement of emergency and humanitarian teams.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, confirmed that “ambulances there are taking longer to reach patients because they are forced to use longer routes and search for accessible gates”.
