UN: Gaza ceasefire largely holding but humanitarian needs 'extremely dire'
November 24, 2025 | United Nations, Federal
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The United Nations told the Security Council that, while the ceasefire in Gaza has "largely held" since coming into effect last month, continued strikes and sporadic attacks are jeopardizing the pause and leaving civilians in "extremely dire" conditions.
Deputy Special Coordinator Ramiz Alekh Barov briefed the Council (as summarized by the UN spokesperson) saying humanitarian partners report almost 80% of Gaza's buildings were damaged or destroyed — a figure the briefing expresses as about 250,000 buildings — and that more than 1,700,000 people remain displaced. "Many are trying to live in overcrowded shelters without adequate access to water, food, or medical care," the briefing said.
On winter preparations and shelter assistance, the UN said partners reached 7,100 families between Thursday and Saturday with shelter aid that included 900 tents, 5,100 tarps and 2,300 blankets; however, restricted access continues to hamper deliveries — the UN reported only 32 trucks with shelter supplies entered Gaza between Sunday and Wednesday last week because NGO registration requirements remain an obstacle.
Health and nutrition partners reported continued focus on early detection and treatment of acute malnutrition. UNICEF dispatched 4,000 cartons of ready‑to‑use therapeutic food, "enough to provide treatment for the current caseload of 10,000 patients for one month," and total treatment stocks were reported sufficient through March.
The UN also reported progress reaching the European hospital in Rafah for the first time since October to transfer vital equipment to functioning northern facilities, and that technicians repaired a severed fiber‑optic cable near the Erez crossing — an operation blocked in earlier requests, the briefing said. OCHA reiterated that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected and called for safe, sustained access to reach those in need.
The spokesperson emphasized that while partners have made some gains in humanitarian access and aid delivery, "there's more aid getting in, but not enough to meet all the needs."
Deputy Special Coordinator Ramiz Alekh Barov briefed the Council (as summarized by the UN spokesperson) saying humanitarian partners report almost 80% of Gaza's buildings were damaged or destroyed — a figure the briefing expresses as about 250,000 buildings — and that more than 1,700,000 people remain displaced. "Many are trying to live in overcrowded shelters without adequate access to water, food, or medical care," the briefing said.
On winter preparations and shelter assistance, the UN said partners reached 7,100 families between Thursday and Saturday with shelter aid that included 900 tents, 5,100 tarps and 2,300 blankets; however, restricted access continues to hamper deliveries — the UN reported only 32 trucks with shelter supplies entered Gaza between Sunday and Wednesday last week because NGO registration requirements remain an obstacle.
Health and nutrition partners reported continued focus on early detection and treatment of acute malnutrition. UNICEF dispatched 4,000 cartons of ready‑to‑use therapeutic food, "enough to provide treatment for the current caseload of 10,000 patients for one month," and total treatment stocks were reported sufficient through March.
The UN also reported progress reaching the European hospital in Rafah for the first time since October to transfer vital equipment to functioning northern facilities, and that technicians repaired a severed fiber‑optic cable near the Erez crossing — an operation blocked in earlier requests, the briefing said. OCHA reiterated that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected and called for safe, sustained access to reach those in need.
The spokesperson emphasized that while partners have made some gains in humanitarian access and aid delivery, "there's more aid getting in, but not enough to meet all the needs."
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