Briefing by OCHA Spokesperson, Olga Cherevko, to Gaza-based journalists

As Prepared

Good afternoon, colleagues,

I want to firstly thank you for being here and for continuing to do your difficult job despite the fact that it remains extremely dangerous. Your commitment does not go unnoticed by the world.

The UN and our humanitarian partners continue to ramp up humanitarian response alongside other actors, including Member States, despite numerous impediments that stand in the way of our efforts.

Since the ceasefire, we have:

• Brought nearly 200,000 metric tons of aid into Gaza
• Delivered food assistance to over a million people every month, as well as hot meals to 1.6 million people daily
• Re-opened dozens of health points
• Established hundreds of temporary learning spaces

We are doing everything possible to reach people in need, but our gains are fragile, and the gap between needs and what can be delivered safely and consistently remains vast.

On the ground, airstrikes, shelling and gunfire continue to kill and maim civilians. Cold weather is cruelly taking children’s lives. Half of Gaza is still off limits, while most Palestinians remain displaced and living in deplorable conditions.

But you already know this, you live it every day. So I don’t need to tell you that the approaching month of Ramadan - a time of reflection and joy – will again be marked by despair for many in Gaza.

Aid organizations are facing severe limitations. Urgently needed supplies, including some medical items, tools to repair homes, machinery to clear rubble and spare parts remain heavily restricted. Telecommunications disruptions further complicate coordination and emergency response.

Damage to roads, warehouses, water systems and health facilities is limiting our ability to store, distribute and deliver assistance where it is most needed.

Coordination requirements, explosive ordnance and damaged infrastructure limit access to many areas. We are still struggling to reach the most vulnerable communities, particularly in areas close to where military operations continue.

People in overcrowded shelters and makeshift sites are barely getting by as new rainstorms threaten to obliterate the little protection they have.

We could alleviate people’s suffering faster and on a larger scale if only those constraints were removed.

We don’t need to reinvent the system. We need the existing impediments removed.

Specifically, we need the following:

• Safe, sustained and predictable humanitarian access
• Removing restrictions on aid organizations and entry of supplies, including those considered “dual use.”
• Reliable internal movement routes within Gaza
• Sustained and sufficient funding
• Enabling early recovery
• The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is not inevitable.

Aid can save more lives — but only if obstacles are removed. Every delay, denial or disruption throttles the response and deepens civilian suffering.

We must not become numb to the pain of those who hurt. Gaza must not become background noise in the crowded crisis landscape.

Aid is ready. Supplies are available. Aid workers are on the ground – every minute counts.

Thank you.