Gaza: humanitarian scale-up continues, despite restrictions

30 October 2025

OCHA says the scale-up of humanitarian operations in Gaza continues under the ceasefire, but remains constrained by ongoing restrictions and other impediments.

Yesterday, the UN and its partners collected close to 240 pallets of tarps, winter clothes and hygiene kits from the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, bringing them closer to people in need inside Gaza. They also picked up more than 170 pallets of menstrual hygiene kits. Other teams collected over 220,000 litres of diesel to power critical services. Food supplies were also collected.

But OCHA says that for the third day in a row, these collections had to be limited because of the rerouting ordered by the Israeli authorities. Convoys are now forced to go through the Philadelphi corridor – along the border with Egypt – and then up the narrow Coastal Road. This road is narrow, damaged, and heavily congested.  Movement remained slower, even after World Food Programme (WFP) repaired the road. Additional crossings and internal routes are needed to expand collections and response.

WFP says its distribution channels in Gaza are back up and running. Over half a million people have received food assistance through 43 general food distribution points. That is a major increase – though it still covers only about 35 per cent of the monthly target of 1.6 million people. In a social media post, WFP said that family food boxes are a lifeline and restoring access to essential food is essential.

Today, UNRWA said it reopened one of its medical points in Gaza city, where it is providing essential care to families. In a social media post, the agency said its health teams have now provided over 15 million consultations since October 2023 – helping keep care, hope and dignity within reach.

Yesterday, the UN Office for Project Services distributed nearly 210,000 litres of fuel across southern and northern Gaza – helping keep critical operations running in support of water, sanitation, health, food, rubble removal, essential telecommunications, education, protection and humanitarian logistics.

Turning to the West Bank, today, Ramiz Alakbarov, the Deputy Special Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, led a field visit to the Ramallah area, to highlight challenges faced during the ongoing olive harvest.

Briefing diplomats from several Member States who joined him, he stressed the urgent need to ensure safe access to groves. This comes amid a spike in settler attacks and ongoing access restrictions that – combined – undermine people’s livelihoods, wellbeing and dignity and pressure families to abandon farming and leave their communities.

In Al Mughayyir village, Mr. Alakbarov deplored that what would be a festive season has become one of increased insecurity, and reminded participants that the olive season is central to Palestinian culture and economy.

So far this month, 126 settler attacks related to the olive harvest have caused casualties or damage across 70 villages. That is according to OCHA’s records as of Monday. Farmers have been assaulted, crops and tools have been stolen, and over 4,000 trees have been vandalized. In total, 124 Palestinians have been injured.

During the visit, Mr. Alakbarov urged the Israeli authorities to protect Palestinians and their livelihoods, including through holding violent setters accountable. Participants met farmers from Al Mughayyir village; spoke with partners providing protective presence and other critical services; and were briefed on the latest trends and policies.