UN Official: Restrictions on Aid Entry to Gaza Must Be Lifted

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, called for the provision of real shelter for Gaza residents to enable them to cope with the bitter cold, and for the entry of materials to repair the infrastructure in the Strip. Haq said that many citizens in Gaza have died due to low temperatures, which necessitates providing warm clothing, suitable shelter, and ensuring electricity availability in all areas of the Strip.

He added that tents and plastic materials are not enough at this time of winter, noting that people in the Strip have suffered for two years, their homes destroyed, and deprived of water and food. Regarding the restriction of aid entry to Gaza via the Rafah crossing, Farhan said, "We want to ensure that all restrictions on aid entry are lifted and removed" in order to meet the needs of more than two million people in the Strip.

The UN official spoke about an improvement in the humanitarian situation since the ceasefire in Gaza, after a real threat of famine, noting that they were able to bring in sufficient quantities of food and water, in addition to providing vaccines for children, some educational materials, and plastic materials for tents.

Ali Shaath, head of the National Committee for Gaza Management, announced that the Rafah crossing will open next week, considering the step an indication that Gaza is no longer closed to the world and the future. Sources quoted sources as saying that Israel will open it, but will prevent Gazans from returning to the Strip, except for humanitarian cases.

According to the Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, the opening of the Rafah crossing will allow more goods to cross through Egypt.

The death toll from the cold in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current winter season has risen to 10 children, with the announcement of the death of infant Youssef Abu Hammad, whose family had waited 17 years for him.

With a new low-pressure system expected in the coming days, fears of a worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip are increasing, especially in light of the scarcity of humanitarian aid and the continued Israeli closure of crossings.