UN says Gaza food rations reduced, partners face entry rejections; calls to restore direct convoy routes

The United Nations told reporters that humanitarian partners have reached about 670,000 people with monthly general food assistance for February in the Gaza Strip but that ration sizes remain reduced to about 50 percent because current stocks are insufficient to sustain larger rations for the rest of the month.

The spokesperson said humanitarian partners reported that the entry of supplies from Egypt has been critically low in recent weeks due to high rejection rates by Israeli authorities. Partners have called for the resumption of government‑to‑government direct convoy modalities from Jordan, which the spokesperson said would enable delivery of larger volumes, including food supplies.

The UN also reported partner operational numbers: more than 1,700,000 meals produced daily through roughly 180 kitchens, with distributions aligned to Ramadan fasting hours; partners provided tents, tarpaulins, sealing kits, clothes and other essential items to over 11,500 households in North Gaza, Deir al‑Balah and Khan Younis governorates. Shelter partners cautioned that these materials offer limited protection and urged longer‑term housing solutions.

In response to questions about the Board of Peace and whether the UN had endorsed it, the spokesperson said the Secretariat will not tell member states what to say but urged journalists to understand Security Council resolution 2803, adding that the UN’s work with the Board of Peace is within the framework of that resolution. The spokesperson also said the Secretary‑General watched part of the Board of Peace meeting and that an expected call between President Trump and the Secretary‑General was anticipated and would be communicated when it occurred.

The UN reiterated calls for protection of civilians, unimpeded humanitarian access and for parties to resolve issues through dialogue.