Published on: 2026-07-02
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 1, 2026 Peace and Security
The ongoing expansion of areas under the control of Israeli forces in Gaza after the ceasefire agreement came into effect is severely restricting the operations of humanitarian organizations. This warning was issued on Wednesday by United Nations agencies and the United Nations humanitarian partners.
The warning was issued against the backdrop of ongoing mass movement of people and increasing humanitarian pressure across the entire occupied Palestinian territory.
A joint statement by the humanitarian group in the occupied Palestinian territory notes that the expansion of Israeli control zones, along with restrictions on movement, reduces the capabilities of humanitarian workers and decreases the space available to civilians who have already been displaced multiple times due to the conflict.
Use of deadly force
According to the statement, Israeli military forces repeatedly used lethal force to prevent people from entering areas under their control. From October 10, 2025, until early April, the UN confirmed the deaths of 196 Palestinians as a result of attacks near Israeli military deployment zones. Among the deceased were 18 women and 43 children. Many of them, according to reports, were moving through areas without clear territorial markings.
Impact on humanitarian aid delivery
The statement also highlights the impact of restrictions on the operations of humanitarian organizations: movement bans cause delays and disruptions in the delivery of vital assistance.
Some humanitarian organizations had to reduce or temporarily suspend critical programs, affecting thousands of families.
Reduction of space for civilians
UN agencies and the Organization’s humanitarian partners have warned that the expansion of control measures is shrinking areas accessible to civilians. Most Gaza residents have already been forced to move multiple times, and they are now concentrated in increasingly limited spaces.
According to the UN, restricted access zones now cover about 65 percent of the Gaza territory; most of them are closed to residents. Access from the sea is also blocked.
Demand to stop the attacks
UN agencies and non-governmental organizations have once again called for an immediate halt to attacks on Palestinians moving near Israeli positions. They emphasized that civilians must always be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights standards.
Humanitarian agencies have also warned that due to overcrowding and poor water supply in Gaza, skin diseases and acute diarrhea continue to spread. This problem cannot be resolved because of serious access obstacles and a lack of funding: to date, less than a quarter of the necessary funds for the implementation of this year’s humanitarian plan have been received.
Meanwhile, the UN Development Programme reported this week on the clearing of half of the giant mountain of solid waste accumulated during the conflict at the Firas market in Gaza. UNDP called this a significant step towards restoring the historic trading center. About 250 thousand cubic meters of garbage, covering 75 percent of the market’s area, have been removed.
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