UN says no food distributed in Gaza amid Israeli restrictions

The UN has still not been able to distribute aid in the Gaza Strip as the enclave faces the risk of mass starvation.

Stephane Dujarric, UN chief Antonio Guterres’s spokesman, said no humanitarian supplies have been able to leave the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Israel. 

“None of the supplies have been able to leave the Kerem Shalom loading area,” Dujarric said at a briefing. 

“This is because by yesterday evening, the Israeli authorities had only allowed our teams to go through one area that was highly congested, that we felt was insecure, and where we felt looting was highly likely to take place given the prolonged deprivation in Gaza," he added. 

Since 2 March, Israel has enforced a total blockade on Gaza, preventing any food, medical supplies, or goods from entering the besieged enclave.

On Sunday, Israel stated it would allow a “basic amount of food” into Gaza for what it described as “diplomatic reasons” aimed at easing international pressure that could force an end to the ongoing war.