Source: UN News: Sunday, October 19, 2025 00:01 AM
Israel has announced to limit the supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza, accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement. On the other hand, the UN Humanitarian Office has urged donors to increase their financial support in view of the increasing needs around the world. According to Israel, the bodies of only four dead hostages have been returned so far, in violation of the recent ceasefire agreement. For this reason Israel has announced to limit the supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Israeli military agency, which coordinates with the United Nations and other international organizations, gave this information on Tuesday. According to the statement issued by it, from Wednesday only 300 trucks will be allowed to enter Gaza to supply humanitarian aid, although earlier 600 trucks were agreed. In addition, the supply of goods to the markets will also be stopped. According to the Israeli agency, fuel and gas supplies will not be allowed into Gaza unless it is in connection with humanitarian needs. Olga Cherevko, spokeswoman for the UN humanitarian office in Gaza, said that her organization will continue to encourage both sides to fully comply with the ceasefire agreement. “It is our hope that the hostages will be freed.” The bodies will be handed over and the ceasefire will be maintained.”OCHA The office has currently prepared its plan for 60 days, under which thousands of tons of humanitarian aid supplies have been dispatched to Gaza. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters in New York on Tuesday that since the ceasefire came into force, it has been easier than ever for the UN and other humanitarian aid organizations to move into Gaza, especially in areas from where Israeli forces have withdrawn. That unexploded explosives and ammunition are scattered in various areas of Gaza, posing a threat to displaced Palestinians and humanitarian aid workers. After the violent conflict, it is necessary to deal with other challenges including displacement, collapsed infrastructure, poor basic services. Funds are needed for the aid operation © UNICEF/Ilvy Njiokiktjien In the final months of 2025, UN humanitarian organizations have urged donors to increase financial support to continue humanitarian work in areas where relief efforts have been affected by aid budget cuts. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that $45.3 billion was needed for life-saving activities in 2025, but only 21 percent of the funds were available as of September. This represents a huge decline of 40 percent compared to the same period last year. The UN office has stressed that the lack of funds is having a deep impact on millions of people around the world who are deprived of health care, food and education. More than 420 health centers in Afghanistan have been forced to close this year, leaving 3 million people without access to essential care. Food aid in Somalia has been cut, and only 3.5 lakh people will be able to receive support in November this year, whereas more than 1 million people were being provided assistance in August. At the same time, half a million Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh have been deprived of education. Despite these challenges, the United Nations, together with its partner organizations, is making every possible effort to provide assistance to those in need. The UN Humanitarian Office has appealed to donors to increase investment in humanitarian assistance, at a time when there is huge need globally, and support is vital to save lives.