The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced that Israel has reopened the Zikim crossing leading to northern Gaza for the first time in more than 40 days—a step expected to help meet humanitarian needs and reduce reliance on transporting supplies from the southern part of the enclave, while warning that significant restrictions remain in place.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that unloading of supplies took place on Saturday and Sunday, with the receipt of shipments inside Gaza resuming on Monday, starting with food, nutrition supplies, and other aid managed by the World Food Programme and UNICEF.
Dujarric noted that major constraints are still in effect, including customs clearance requirements, limited security screening capacity, and a comprehensive ban on certain UN agencies and partner non-governmental organizations, which he described as “critical and essential” to the humanitarian response in Gaza.
He also reported that medical evacuation operations resumed on Sunday with support from the World Health Organization and its partners. More than 24 patients, along with over 40 companions, left Gaza through the Rafah crossing after operations had been suspended due to a security incident that resulted in the death of a contractor. The evacuations resumed following assurances regarding the safety of patients, companions, and staff.
Dujarric emphasized that thousands of people in Gaza still require medical services that are currently unavailable, with health partners stressing the urgent need to facilitate the entry of equipment and essential supplies to support the recovery of the local healthcare system.
He added that the United Nations and its partners provided medical care, food assistance, and psychosocial support to around 70 individuals who returned to Gaza via the Rafah crossing.
