The UN agency said airstrikes, shelling, and gunfire “continue to be reported across the Gaza Strip, with most incidents occurring in the vicinity of the ‘Yellow Line,’ resulting in casualties.”
Israeli occupation forces remain deployed in more than half of the Gaza Strip, “behind and beyond the so-called ‘Yellow Line,” the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) warned on Friday.
In these areas, “access to humanitarian facilities and assets, including UNRWA’s, as well as to public infrastructure and agricultural land remains severely restricted or prohibited,” the UN agency stated on X.
Israeli forces remain deployed in more than half of the #Gaza Strip, behind and beyond the so-called “Yellow Line”.
In these areas, access to humanitarian facilities and assets, including UNRWA’s, as well as to public infrastructure and agricultural land remains severely… pic.twitter.com/VKD5WYq3OQ
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) January 9, 2026
“Airstrikes, shelling, and gunfire continue to be reported across the Gaza Strip, with most incidents occurring in the vicinity of the ‘Yellow Line,’ resulting in casualties,” it added, emphasizing that Gaza’s population “must have safe and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid.”
Lack of Proper Shelter
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on Thursday underlined the insufficiency of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
“We are three months into the ceasefire, but the assistance is still not yet at scale for the population. Yes, food came in. But besides food, very little other type of assistance has come in,” Lazzarini told the Anadolu news agency.
Severe weather is worsening already dire conditions in #Gaza.
Flooding and collapsing shelters are putting displaced families — many living in tents or unstable buildings — at even greater risk.
What should be a seasonal storm is becoming a life-threatening crisis. pic.twitter.com/9kjqhEqR5e
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) January 8, 2026
He stressed that Palestinians “are still living in the shaky rubber shelters.”
“Only tents which are not waterproof, have come in, which obviously do not protect the population. And basically, they continue to lack almost everything,” the UN chief stated.
Cold Weather Conditions
He underlined that cold weather conditions constitute an additional source of suffering for people who have already endured two years of a brutal war, destruction, massacres and forced displacement, Anadolu said.
This is winter in Gaza. People are facing torrential rain and heavy winds while living in makeshift shelters.
All the while Israel continues to block or delay the entry of vital supplies like tents, tarpaulins, and temporary housing.
Our medical teams are treating respiratory… pic.twitter.com/EIvm4UOeKj
— MSF International (@MSF) January 7, 2026
Despite constraints, he noted, UNRWA continues to deliver essential health consultations on a daily basis through its community-based staff, while working with partners to carry out vaccination campaigns, ensure access to clean water, manage waste and maintain waste collection activities to prevent the spread of disease.
“We have now brought back one-person learning environment to more than 60,000 children, and we are also providing some learning at a distance to more than 290,000 kids,” the UN chief explained.
US Financial Aid Cut
Lazzarini also highlighted that US contributions have remained suspended since February 2024 following allegations about UNRWA staff under the previous American administration.
He said that although every other country that had halted funding at the time resumed support after investigations were concluded and corrective actions were taken, the US did not.
Concerns Rise over Infections, Disease as Gaza’s Displaced Battle Dire Conditions
The Trump administration has since confirmed its decision to end support for the agency, Lazzarini noted.
He underlined that the loss of its largest donor has left UNRWA with a significant funding shortfall at a time when the organization is already under severe strain.
Financial Difficulties
Warning that the agency is operating on the edge of financial collapse, Lazzarini said UNRWA was compelled to introduce harsh cost-cutting measures this year.
He also pointed out that certain activities in occupied East Jerusalem have come to a complete halt due to Israeli legislation and Tel Aviv’s claim that East Jerusalem is part of its sovereign territory.
‘Undermine UN’ – European States Slam Israel’s Law Targeting UNRWA, INGOs
He stated that a third law adopted by Israel — the cutting of electricity and water supplies to UNRWA facilities in occupied East Jerusalem — also includes provisions related to the confiscation of facilities and land.
Emphasizing that the measures are in direct contradiction with rulings of the International Court of Justice, Lazzarini said they constitute violations of international law and reflect Israel’s resort to unilateral actions.
Over 71,300 Killed
Starting on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military, with American support, launched a genocidal war against the people of Gaza. This campaign has so far resulted in the deaths of over 71,300 Palestinians, with more than 171,000 wounded. The vast majority of the population has been displaced, and the destruction of infrastructure is unprecedented since World War II. Thousands of people are still missing.
Israeli Bombardment Targets Shelters and Schools across Gaza, Killing 14
In addition to the military assault, the Israeli blockade has caused a man-made famine, leading to the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians—mostly children—with hundreds of thousands more at risk.
Despite widespread international condemnation, little has been done to hold Israel accountable. The nation is currently under investigation for genocide by the International Court of Justice, while accused war criminals, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are officially wanted by the International Criminal Court.
(PC, AJA, Anadolu)
Stop issuing ” warnings ” and do something about it!