Humanitarian aid blocked in Gaza since March: UN Coordinator Sigrid Kaag

United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, said more than 60,000 children under the age of five in Gaza are suffering from malnutrition.

She emphasized that each statistic represents a human life and a personal struggle to survive.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025, held at the NEST Congress Center in Belek, Kaag addressed the collapse of humanitarian access in Gaza.

Aid flow to Gaza halted since mid-March

Kaag stated that during the ceasefire, aid deliveries coordinated by the U.N. reached those in need without interruption.

However, she noted, “As part of the ceasefire agreement, the flow of humanitarian aid was ensured. But since the second half of March, aid deliveries have not been allowed.”

She explained that humanitarian operations on the ground are now hindered by shortages of equipment and fuel, making it increasingly difficult to run hospitals and distribute aid.

Malnutrition crisis among children in Gaza

Kaag voiced alarm at the deteriorating health conditions among children in Gaza, stating, “We now know that more than 60,000 children under the age of five are suffering from malnutrition in Gaza. Each of these statistics represents a human life and a fight to survive.”

She underlined that under international law, Israel is obligated to allow humanitarian access and insisted that aid must reach Gaza immediately.

Threats to aid workers and civilians

Kaag also expressed concern for the safety of humanitarian personnel operating in the conflict zone: “Israel’s attacks on Gaza are horrifying not only for civilians but also for international humanitarian workers, most of whom are Palestinian civilians.”