Israel denies UN request for aid access to northern Gaza

Israel has once again refused a United Nations request to deliver aid to the beleaguered northern Gaza, the UN secretary-general's spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said.

“Yet again, the Israeli authorities denied a request from the United Nations to reach the besieged parts of the north today, [including] Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia and east of Jabalia,” Dujarric announced.

He noted that the UN's efforts to access northern Gaza have faced consistent obstruction, with the majority of requests being rejected outright. “Yesterday, we underscored how the vast majority of our efforts to reach north Gaza governorate since the Israeli siege began 10 weeks ago have been blocked,” he added.

The humanitarian situation in northern Gaza remains dire, with the area under a relentless blockade for over 70 days. Aid agencies warn that the continued denial of assistance exacerbates the suffering of civilians trapped without access to essential supplies, including food, water, and medicine.