A senior official from the Board of Peace has warned that Israeli restrictions at border crossings remain the primary barrier to delivering humanitarian assistance into Gaza Strip.
Speaking to Egypt’s Al-Qahera News, Nickolay Mladenov said aid operations face complex and layered challenges, with access constraints severely limiting the flow of essential supplies to civilians.
He noted that previous systems used to distribute aid have been largely destroyed during the conflict, while replacement mechanisms have yet to be effectively established. This has created significant logistical difficulties for humanitarian agencies attempting to reach affected populations.
Mladenov highlighted that restrictions imposed by Israel—particularly on items classified as “dual-use”—are the most critical obstacle, as they restrict the entry of goods vital for both civilian life and healthcare services.
He added that the presence of Israeli forces across large parts of Gaza further complicates relief efforts, with more than half of the territory still under military control.
Despite financial pledges from international partners, including Egypt, the United States and Gulf nations, Mladenov stressed that converting these commitments into effective on-the-ground assistance remains a major challenge.
He also called for urgent measures to provide temporary shelter for displaced residents, rebuild the damaged health system, and reintegrate children into education after prolonged disruption caused by the conflict.
Mladenov warned that without swift action, the humanitarian situation could deteriorate further, with long-term consequences for Gaza’s civilian population.
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