The United Nations issued a warning on Friday, saying Israel’s continued restrictions on humanitarian aid—including fuel—into Gaza are putting countless lives in danger.
“Such denials are life-threatening,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, adding that “every day without a ceasefire means more preventable deaths in Gaza—children dying in pain, hungry people shot while trying to reach the little aid allowed in.”
His remarks came after reports that dozens were killed in Rafah on Friday while trying to secure food and basic supplies for their families.
Dujarric also pointed out Gaza’s worsening fuel crisis, noting that while 75,000 liters of fuel were delivered for the second consecutive day, it remains far below what’s needed to keep hospitals, water pumps, and other critical services running.
“Fuel is running out in Gaza,” he stressed. “If more isn’t allowed in immediately, essential services will shut down.”
The UN also accused Israeli forces of blocking aid missions, including one to northern Gaza where fuel deliveries were denied. Another team was prevented from reaching a collapsed building in Gaza City where 18 injured people were trapped. By the time access was granted, no survivors remained.
Out of 15 planned aid deliveries on Thursday, only six were fully carried out, with others either blocked or delayed. Dujarric also noted that Israel has barred shelter materials from entering Gaza for over 130 days, deepening the humanitarian catastrophe.
The UN reiterated calls for immediate, safe, and unrestricted aid access to prevent further loss of life.