U.N. urges full reopening of Rafah and probes civilian deaths as Gaza aid remains constrained

The United Nations told reporters today that civilians in Gaza continue to face displacement, restricted access to medical care and threats from unexploded ordnance amid ongoing military operations. The U.N. spokesperson said recent strikes and movements of military machinery displaced families in Atufa and Ash Shuzaye neighborhoods and that attempts to access Kamal Adwan Hospital in North Gaza "continue to be denied by the Israeli security authorities."

Agency partners have opened additional health service points in Rafah and the World Health Organization "managed to reach the European hospital" to move equipment to functioning facilities, the spokesperson said, adding that WHO also facilitated the first patient referral to an Emirati field hospital since it again became accessible. The U.N. said winter preparation remains a priority and that about 4,400 families have received tents, tarpaulins, blankets, winter clothing and kitchen sets through U.N.-coordinated deliveries.

Humanitarian teams warned of explosive remnants of war. The spokesperson reported partners carried out some 50 hazard assessments last week and cited recent incidents involving unexploded ordnance in Gaza City and Darrel Bala that killed six people and injured 10. "Civilians must always be protected and safe passage ensured to those wishing to flee," the spokesperson said.

During the briefing, a reporter asked about contradictory claims that the Rafah crossing would reopen after Israeli statements and Egyptian denials. The spokesperson said the U.N. has seen conflicting reports and reiterated the organization wants Rafah reopened "fully for the movement of humanitarian cargo, for the movements of people" and for humanitarian workers to move "in and out." When pressed about proposals to open the crossing in only one direction, the spokesperson said the U.N. "does not hold the keys to the gates" and that reopening requires coordination between Israel and Egypt; the U.N. reiterated support for the ability of Palestinians to leave and to return "voluntarily and freely, without any pressure."

A reporter raised a separate incident in which two boys, aged 8 and 10, were killed while collecting firewood; the reporter said an Israeli military account claimed the boys were armed. The spokesperson called the incident "horrific" and said, "there needs to be an investigation and accountability into what happened."

The U.N. also noted a recent five-party meeting on cessation of hostilities hosted by the U.N. peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, and repeated calls for unhindered humanitarian access across the region. The briefing closed with the introduction of a guest speaker scheduled to discuss disability issues.