The Gaza Strip faces a worsening crisis as winter approaches, Anadolu news agency reported on Saturday, citing the United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency, as critical shelter and supplies have been blocked by Israel from entering the enclave.
In a statement on X, UNRWA said shelter and winterization materials for displaced families “are stored in UNRWA warehouses in Jordan and Egypt and access is prohibited.”
“As winter approaches in Gaza, people increasingly need shelter and warmth,” the agency said, calling for the immediate restoration of humanitarian access.
On Thursday, Israeli public broadcaster Kan quoted a senior government official as saying: “Despite the decision of the international court, Israel has no intention of allowing UNRWA to resume operations in Gaza.”
The comments came a day after the International Court of Justice ruled that Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are “underserved” with humanitarian aid and that Israel should allow and facilitate the delivery of aid and stop using famine as a tool of war.
The opinion, published by the court in a non-binding recommendation at the request of the United Nations General Assembly in December 2024, outlines Israel’s obligations in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Despite the latest ceasefire agreement with Hamas reached earlier this month, Israeli restrictions on goods entering Gaza remain in place.
Since October 2023, Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza has killed more than 69,000 people.