MORE than half of humanitarian aid shipments to the Gaza Strip were blocked or denied by Israeli authorities in February, the United Nations reported Friday, deepening shortages for civilians in the territory.
“Food rations have been cut by half in February, largely because there are not enough supplies in Gaza,” Bernama-Anadolu cited UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a press briefing, underscoring the urgent impact on the local population.
He explained that around two-thirds of aid trucks attempting to enter Gaza via the Egypt corridor were turned away. “Inside Gaza, coordinated humanitarian movements with the Israeli authorities also continue.
“Out of ten missions planned yesterday, four were facilitated – including the collection of fuel, tents and baby kits from the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing,” he said.
“Five missions were impeded, and a request to assess a water, sanitation and hygiene facility in North Gaza was denied outright.”
The UN spokesman emphasised the growing health crisis, noting that many residents live with disabilities caused by traumatic injuries.
“Our partners say they continue to see more people living with disabilities. Many have received amputations, while others have suffered spinal cord and brain trauma.
“Hundreds of people have received traumatic injuries since the ceasefire. Under an already fragile health system, these patients face challenges, especially since the entry of prosthetics and other essential devices remains heavily restricted,” Dujarric said.
Asked why aid trucks were turned back at the Egypt corridor, he stated that the shipments were not cleared by Israeli authorities.
“There's some heavy equipment, things to clear rubble with, prosthetics, all sorts of things. And we just don’t have the flow of aid that we need,” he added.
Dujarric further stressed that the UN is not receiving supplies in the volume necessary to meet the humanitarian needs on the ground.
Since the ceasefire agreement took effect, Israel has reportedly killed around 618 Palestinians and wounded 1,663 others in daily violations, including strikes and gunfire.
The ceasefire followed a two-year conflict that began on October 8, 2023, during which more than 72,000 Palestinians were killed and over 171,000 injured, most of them women and children.
The conflict destroyed roughly 90 per cent of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure.
The UN’s warning highlights the ongoing struggle to provide adequate relief to a population grappling with both the aftermath of widespread destruction and stringent restrictions on essential humanitarian aid. - February 28, 2026
