GENEVA — The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have made urgent appeals for all border crossings into Gaza to be opened immediately to allow delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid, warning that much of the territory is on the verge of famine.
In Geneva, Red Cross spokesman Christian Cardon said humanitarian agencies are calling “in the last hours… to make sure that, because of the huge needs, all entry points can be open.” Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the UN’s OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), echoed that demand: “We need all of them open.”
They cautioned that not all crossings are currently in usable condition — some are “partially destroyed,” while many of the roads inside Gaza remain impassable or obstructed, preventing trucks and convoys from reaching populations in need. Laerke stressed the urgency of repairing damaged crossings and clearing internal roads so aid can move unimpeded.
Humanitarian need is acute. Gaza is suffering from famine conditions in multiple governorates, with over half a million people already in “catastrophic hunger” and many more in “emergency” food insecurity. Children, pregnant and nursing mothers are particularly at risk of severe malnutrition. The UN says there are about 190,000 metric tonnes of aid waiting to cross into Gaza.
The calls come amid a fragile ceasefire deal brokered under a plan supported by the United States, in which Israel has agreed to withdraw forces from some areas of Gaza. Humanitarian agencies say this truce must be accompanied by full opening of all crossing points and restoration of internal access routes to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
Israel has in past weeks allowed certain aid convoys through some crossings, but officials insist security concerns remain, and that inspections and clearances are required.
Humanitarian groups warn that without unimpeded access, damage to infrastructure, blocked routes, and intermittently closed crossings will cost lives. They have called on all parties involved — including Israel, Hamas, and mediators — to facilitate safe, reliable, and sustained access for aid workers, supplies, fuel, medical care, water, and sanitation.
