Israeli authorities continue to block access to northern Gaza for crucial deliveries of medicines and fuel necessary for operating water and waste pumps, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as reported by Al-Jazeera.
In its daily update, OCHA emphasized the severe consequences of the fuel shortage, stating that the lack of fuel for water, sanitation, and hygiene purposes heightens the risks of health and environmental hazards. Additionally, the scarcity of medicine has significantly impaired the functioning of the six partially operational hospitals in the region.
Despite 19 planned missions aimed at delivering fuel and supplies for water facilities, only one has been permitted north of Wadi Gaza since the beginning of the year, as highlighted by the UN humanitarian agency.
The ongoing restrictions on access to essential resources pose a significant challenge to addressing health and humanitarian needs in the affected area.