OCHA: Rafah Crossing opening not implemented, basic supplies stock in Gaza depleting rapidly
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) affirmed on Wednesday evening that despite the recent “Israeli” announcement about reopening the Rafah crossing, this has not been implemented, noting that the stock of basic supplies in the Gaza Strip is depleting rapidly.
The office said in a statement on its channel on the “Telegram” platform, : “Shelter partners confirm that the stock of tents, bedding, and other essential supplies is running out quickly.”
It added: “Some partners have resorted to the local market to purchase what they can, such as clothing, bedding, and basic kitchen utensils, directly from vendors who already have limited capacity. This is not a sustainable solution, as both the humanitarian and commercial sectors face the same bottlenecks at the Kerem Shalom crossing.”
OCHA called for “safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to ensure that those in need in the Gaza Strip receive the support they urgently require.”
It continued: “Despite the recent Israeli announcement about the reopening of the Rafah crossing, which has not yet been implemented, the United Nations remains ready to resume medical evacuation operations and support returnees to Gaza as soon as these movements are permitted again. The UN will also continue to call for the opening of more crossings for the entry of goods.”
OCHA stated that the UN and its partners continue to provide life-saving assistance throughout Gaza despite dwindling supplies due to increased restrictions since the beginning of the regional escalation.
With American and European support, the Israeli enemy army has committed genocide, siege, and starvation crimes in the Gaza Strip for over two consecutive years since October 7, 2023, resulting in the martyrdom of 72,253 Palestinian civilians, the majority of them children and women, and the injury of 171,912 others as of Wednesday, in a preliminary toll, as thousands of victims remain under the rubble and on the roads, with ambulance and rescue crews unable to reach them.
The ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip came into effect last October 10, after two consecutive years of genocidal Zionist war. However, the Israeli enemy army continues to commit daily violations of the agreement, and still prevents the entry of most humanitarian aid into the sector.