The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed on Friday that the barriers to aid access have weakened the ability of humanitarian actors to reach those in need across the Gaza Strip. The office stated that "since March 1, the Israeli occupation has prevented humanitarian assistance missions from reaching all areas of Gaza," warning that the blockade on Gaza, including closed crossings, and the lack of water and electricity are key elements of the major humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.
It noted, "From March 23 to 29, Israeli occupation authorities approved 42% (8 out of 19 missions) of humanitarian assistance missions to northern Gaza, while 8 missions were denied, and 3 missions were postponed or canceled." In its briefing released today, the humanitarian coordination office stated that reports continue to come in of intensive Israeli shelling and ground operations, leading to more civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction of homes and other civilian infrastructure.
Additionally, it mentioned that between the afternoon of March 27 and midday on March 29, 133 Palestinians were killed and 203 were injured, including 71 deaths and 112 wounded in the past 24 hours, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, noting that since October 7, at least 32,623 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and 75,092 have been injured.
