New york: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Israel to reopen humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip following the closure of key aid crossings. This request comes after the Israeli authorities shut down several crossings, including the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing and the Rafah crossing, in response to Iranian missile attacks on Israel late Sunday.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Guterres expressed deep concern over the closure of these crossings and the suspension of supply entry into Gaza. Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for Guterres, conveyed the Secretary-General's call for the immediate resumption of humanitarian movements into and throughout Gaza. Guterres emphasized the need for rapid, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance as per international law obligations.
Guterres noted that humanitarian aid is crucial for the survival and well-being of Gaza's civilians, highlighting that the humanitarian needs are significant and that access must be predictable, sustained, and unimpeded. However, it remains unclear when Israel plans to reopen these crossings.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the Kerem Shalom crossing had been the only operational crossing for cargo into Gaza over the past two weeks. Although no aid was allowed into Gaza, humanitarian organizations were permitted to collect cargo on the Palestinian side. OCHA stressed the reliance of Gaza's people on a steady flow of humanitarian and commercial goods from outside and warned that prolonged closure of crossings could hinder sustained efforts to provide necessary supplies.
OCHA also highlighted ongoing Israeli airstrikes, shelling, and gunfire affecting civilians and infrastructure in Gaza, leading to casualties and damage. The office reiterated the protection of civilians and infrastructure under international humanitarian law and warned of risks from missile interception debris in the West Bank.
The situation in the West Bank remains tense, with ongoing violence affecting Palestinians. OCHA cited a recent incident where Israeli forces killed a 7-month-old Palestinian infant and injured both parents in Hebron city. Regular raids and operations by Israeli forces have been reported, averaging more than 20 per day in the first five months of 2026, resulting in casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. OCHA emphasized the need for protection of West Bank Palestinians and accountability for violations.