He said almost 90 percent of the rejected applications came from more than 30 local and international non-governmental organizations or NGOs.
“More than half of the requests were denied on the basis that the organizations were not authorized to bring aid items to Gaza,” he added.
Mr. Haq stressed that such restrictions continue to hinder humanitarian effortseven as the UN and its partners work to deliver aid under the current 60-day plan.
Severe restrictions
“The UN and our partners will be able to do more when other impediments are lifted,” he said, noting that Israeli authorities classified some rejected materials as out of reach of humanitarian aid or considered “dual-use” items, such as solar panels, generators and vehicle parts.
Despite the still fragile ceasefire between Hamas militants and Israeli forces – who reportedly still control just over half of the Gaza Strip – the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) continues to receive reports of military activity.
“Continuous detonations of residential buildings have been reported daily in multiple areas. where the Israeli army is still deployed,” Haq said, pointing to eastern Khan Younis, eastern Gaza City and Rafah on the southern border.
OCHA has reminded the Israeli military of its obligation to “take constant care to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers, during all its operations.”
Population movements in Gaza also remain fluid: more than 680,000 people have moved from southern to northern areas since the ceasefire began.
stay in place
However, Mr. Haq said that Many displaced families “have reported that they wish to remain in their current locations, due to widespread destruction, lack of alternatives, and continued uncertainty about safety and services in their home areas.”
Amid these challenges, the UN and its partners have reached tens of thousands of households with food, cash assistance and essential services.
“The impact of increased humanitarian aid in Gaza is already clear,” Haq said, “but much more could be done if the remaining obstacles were removed.”