UNRWA urges immediate access to Gaza, as food for entire population stockpiled for over 3 months

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) on Saturday called for the immediate lifting of restrictions preventing life-saving aid from reaching Gaza, saying it has food stockpiled to support the territory's entire population for more than three months.

"UNRWA has enough food for the entire population of Gaza for over three months stockpiled in warehouses-including this one in Al Arish, Egypt-awaiting entry," the agency said on X.

Despite having both supplies and logistical systems in place, the agency said access remains blocked.

It concluded with a direct appeal: "Open the gates, lift the siege, allow UNRWA to do its work and help people in need among them 1 million children."

Israel has killed nearly 59,000 Palestinians so far, most of them women and children. It imposed a full humanitarian blockade of Gaza on March 2, cutting off food, medical supplies and other aid to the more than 2 million Palestinians in the territory.

After growing international pressure, it began allowing a trickle of aid in late May. The UN agencies have been bypassed and the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is operating distribution sites, leading to hundreds of deaths since then.