OCHA calls for reopening of Gaza crossings to cargo and aid

08 April 2025

OCHA reports that hostilities continue across the Gaza Strip, with more civilians killed and injured and critical infrastructure damaged. All crossings remain closed for the entry of aid and other supplies essential for people’s survival. Since 2 March, no aid or commercial goods have been allowed into Gaza, marking the longest such closure since 7 October 2023.

Humanitarian partners warn that the nutrition situation is growing more dire by the day due to the depletion of stocks. Although they continue to carry out malnutrition screenings across Gaza, supply shortages and movement restrictions – coupled with active hostilities and other challenges – are hampering their operations. In March, partners were only able to screen about 50,000 children for malnutrition, a decrease of more than a third compared to the previous month.

Partners are also having difficulty accessing remaining stocks of ready-to-use complementary food, which are stored in areas of North Gaza governorate that are difficult to reach due to ongoing hostilities and displacement orders. In March, the distribution of these supplies was half of February’s levels.

Today, more families have fled to Mawasi and areas west of Gaza city, in response to new Israeli displacement orders covering five neighbourhoods in Gaza, Khan Younis and northern Rafah.

Shelters for displaced people are overstretched: Hygiene and sanitation conditions are collapsing, with water lacking and reports of flea and insect infestations.

OCHA warns that these displacement orders leave civilians exposed to hostilities and deprive them of access to services essential for their survival.

Once again, OCHA calls for the immediate reopening of the crossings so that urgently needed cargo and humanitarian aid can enter Gaza.