Restrictions on humanitarian access to Gaza, pressure on aid groups, and operational challenges for food and relief distributions

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a critical juncture, driven in large part by severe restrictions on movement and access imposed by Israeli authorities. These restrictions include the closure of key border crossings and the implementation of legal and administrative barriers that obstruct the flow of essential aid and impede the evacuation of critically ill patients.

Israeli Crossings and Administrative Barriers

On February 28, Israel announced the closure of all crossings into Gaza and the West Bank, including the vital Rafah crossing into Egypt, which previously served as a primary route for humanitarian aid and evacuations. This blanket closure has effectively halted the delivery of crucial supplies such as food, water, fuel, and medicines. Since the closures, only five patients have been evacuated through Rafah—an alarmingly small number given the tens of thousands in urgent need of medical evacuation. Meanwhile, the Kerem Shalom crossing remains either fully shut or operates under strict limitations, severely restricting the steady inflow of supplies.

These closures and restrictions are compounded by complex bureaucratic hurdles and legal barriers that delay or prevent aid from reaching vulnerable populations. The restrictions not only hinder the delivery of lifesaving essentials but also obstruct the movement of aid personnel and medical staff, further aggravating the healthcare crisis.

Impact on Humanitarian Operations and Aid Delivery

The consequences of these closures are profound. The destruction of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure, combined with power outages and flooding, has left nearly 100,000 residents without access to clean water. The sanitation crisis is worsening amid overflowing refuse and contaminated water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery—particularly as winter storms flood displacement camps and damage shelters.

Aid organizations face mounting operational challenges amid these restrictions. The revocation of NGO licenses earlier this year, such as those of MSF and other humanitarian groups, has hampered aid delivery and compromised efforts to protect civilians and aid workers. Aid convoys and medical teams are frequently targeted or obstructed; reports indicate that Israeli forces have shot over 900 bullets at Gaza medical convoys in 2025, injuring or killing aid personnel and complicating life-saving operations.

Risks to Aid Workers and Security Measures

The security environment for aid workers remains perilous. Aid organizations have had to deploy armed security at distribution sites to safeguard personnel and supplies amid ongoing violence and threats. In some cases, armed security presence is necessary to prevent looting or attacks during distributions, which can create tense and complex operational environments. Gaza Humanitarian Group explanations highlight the presence of armed security at aid sites as a response to security threats, yet such measures can also hinder access and community trust.

Furthermore, international pressure is mounting to expand humanitarian access, particularly through the Rafah crossing. The EU commissioner has called for increased Rafah access to facilitate aid delivery, emphasizing that 600 humanitarian workers have been killed so far, underscoring the dangerous conditions aid personnel face. The restrictions and ongoing violence continue to challenge efforts to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable, with many agencies warning that without urgent measures, the catastrophe will deepen.

In summary, the combination of Israeli closures, crossing restrictions, and legal barriers has critically hampered Gaza's ability to receive essential supplies and conduct evacuations. These operational constraints, alongside the ongoing violence, pose a severe threat to the lives of civilians and aid workers alike. To prevent further deterioration, it is imperative that the international community work swiftly to open secure, sustained humanitarian corridors, ensure uninterrupted aid delivery, and protect those providing vital assistance in Gaza.