UN warns of worsening humanitarian crisis as attacks and fuel shortages hit Gaza
Tuesday 23 June 2026 - 12:00am
NNA News – The United Nations has warned that ongoing attacks, severe fuel shortages and restrictions on humanitarian access are worsening conditions for civilians in Gaza. At the same time, violence continues to affect communities across the occupied Palestinian territories. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), airstrikes, naval fire, shelling and shootings struck residential areas across Gaza over the weekend, with incidents reported in all governorates.
The UN said it remains deeply concerned by reports that civilians were among those killed during the attacks. Humanitarian agencies continue to face significant challenges in delivering aid to Gaza. OCHA said Kerem Shalom, also known as Karem Abu Salem, remains the only crossing currently available for humanitarian supplies to enter the territory.
Despite some improvements in access at the crossing, aid organizations continue to call for additional entry points and fewer restrictions on humanitarian goods. Over the weekend, UN agencies collected and distributed shipments containing food, blankets, education materials, children's recreational supplies, hygiene kits and fuel. However, humanitarian officials warned that fuel remains in critically short supply.
According to OCHA, humanitarian organizations are heavily dependent on a single Egyptian fuel supplier, while restrictions on fuel imports and limited operating hours at border crossings continue to hamper deliveries. "As a result, in the second week of June, humanitarian partners inside Gaza were forced to prioritize fuel allocations to life-saving services and suspend them for less critical ones," OCHA said.
The agency added that even when fuel is available, many generators cannot operate effectively because lubricant oil remains difficult to import under current approval procedures. The fuel crisis is affecting hospitals, water systems, sanitation facilities and other essential services that millions of Palestinians rely on. Meanwhile, OCHA reported that violence remains a major concern in the West Bank.
According to the UN agency, Israeli forces on Sunday shot and killed a boy and a man in the Hebron area during an incident involving alleged attacks on a nearby settlement. The UN reiterated that lethal force should only be used as a last resort in law enforcement situations and called for accountability where unlawful attacks occur. Humanitarian organizations also continue to face obstacles in accessing vulnerable communities across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Between January and May this year, aid agencies recorded 230 access-related incidents linked to checkpoints, road closures and movement restrictions. OCHA said these obstacles have delayed humanitarian operations and, in some cases, forced the cancellation of planned missions. The agency further noted that restrictions affecting the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and several non-governmental organizations continue to impact humanitarian activities in both Gaza and the West Bank.
Humanitarian officials have repeatedly called for greater access, protection of civilians and sustained international support as the crisis continues to place increasing pressure on communities already affected by conflict and displacement.