New York: The United Nations has confirmed that aid, which Israeli authorities have permitted into the Gaza Strip, remains in the loading area and has not yet been distributed. The organization is actively engaged in discussions to establish safe exit routes. The UN has emphasized that the aid currently available is “in no way sufficient” to meet the “enormous and massive” needs of the Gaza Strip’s population.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, UN spokesman St©phane Dujarric informed reporters in New York that none of the aid had been transferred to UN warehouses in the Strip. He detailed that, as of the previous night, Israeli authorities had allowed UN teams to pass through only one extremely crowded area. The organization has assessed that this proposed route is “unsafe” and that looting is highly likely, given the prolonged deprivation in Gaza since the Israeli-imposed closure more than 11 weeks ago.

Dujarric stated that the United Nations is reluctant to expose its staff and the aid itself to greater risks by accepting the unsafe route. He mentioned, “There is still enough time today for the trucks to move if an agreement is reached on a new route,” and highlighted that discussions are ongoing with Israeli officials. UN teams are also coordinating with Palestinian community leaders to ensure that supplies reach those in need.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that Israeli authorities granted access on Wednesday to supplies stuck at the Kerem Shalom crossing. These supplies, which entered over the past two days, did not include essential items such as hygiene supplies and fuel.