Israel rejects UN requests for fuel access in Gaza

In the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly as the United Nations highlights the consequences of fuel shortages. As of June 10, 2025, Israeli authorities have denied 29 out of 35 requests made by the UN for access to fuel stocks in Rafah since April 13. This persistent denial of access raises serious concerns about the impact on essential services and infrastructure in the region. The UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq emphasized the urgency of the situation at a recent press briefing, referring to the lack of available fuel as a major threat to health, water, and sanitation facilities. These essential services, which are critical to the survival of millions in Gaza, run the risk of shutting down without adequate fuel. The statement highlighted the precarious state of communication systems, which could collapse entirely, making it difficult for communities to receive critical information and support during the ongoing crisis. Despite the limited resumption of humanitarian assistance since May 19, the World Food Programme (WFP) has faced significant challenges in delivering adequate support. It transported around 700 trucks of aid to the Kerem Shalom border crossing, marking a drastic decrease in aid delivery compared to the previous ceasefire period when 600 to 800 trucks were sent daily. Even with these efforts, only a fraction of the aid has successfully entered Gaza, insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs of its 2.1 million residents. The implications of these developments are dire, as international humanitarian law mandates that the population must receive the supplies necessary for survival. With widespread condemnation of the situation and calls for accountability growing, the ongoing military operations have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Israel faces international scrutiny and investigation by bodies such as the International Court of Justice, raising questions about the long-term consequences of its actions in Gaza.