Gaza City – June 5, 2025 – Hopes of humanitarian operations returning to Gaza have suffered an unexpected setback as international aid agencies and local authorities announced today that planned reopenings of humanitarian aid centers had been postponed indefinitely due to increased security risks, cross-border tensions, and logistical hurdles that make it unsafe for aid workers to operate in this region.
OCHA announced that, despite weeks of planning and coordination with multiple stakeholders, conditions on the ground have deteriorated and forced them to delay reopening schedule of aid centers which were anticipated to provide essential food, medical support, shelter services for thousands of displaced residents in northern and central Gaza.
“While we regret having to postpone, safety must take precedence,” according to Rana Hassan of OCHA in a statement. The current security situation does not permit for safe operation of fixed aid distribution points; we are working tirelessly on finding alternative distribution channels.”
This development follows renewed clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militant groups, particularly near humanitarian corridors designated by UN. Recently there have been shelling incidents near UN facilities which has caused growing concern from humanitarian workers.
International relief organizations, such as the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders (Doctors Without Borders), have shared similar concerns that their teams cannot move freely due to unpredictable violence and no guarantees for safe passage.
Dr. Emilie Gauthier, regional director for Medecins Sans Frontieres said, “the risks are simply too great at this point.” She went on to state, “We cannot endanger either our teams or civilians crowded into these centers under fire; therefore a pause may be inevitable but necessary.”
The indefinite delay of an agreement has intensified fears of an intensifying humanitarian crisis. According to the World Food Programme, over 80% of Gazans require urgent food assistance – particularly children and the elderly who are most at risk. Furthermore, hospital resources remain underutilized and clean water and electricity scarce in many neighborhoods.
Local officials have made an appeal to the international community to intervene and pressure both sides to create protected zones for humanitarian work.
“We are asking the world not to abandon us,” stated Samir Al-Khatib, a community leader from central Gaza. “People are hungry, sick and desperate – aid must resume or we may face an outright catastrophe.”
Israel insists it is not impeding humanitarian efforts but cautions that aid operations cannot be used as cover for arms smuggling or militant activity. According to an Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson, they are currently reviewing proposals for new security protocols that could allow aid distribution under close monitoring.
Meanwhile, Gaza residents remain trapped in uncertainty while waiting for action from around the world to reopen it. Without an established timeline for reopening, humanitarian agencies have explored mobile distribution, airdrops and limited convoy deliveries as temporary means to reach those in need.