U.N. warns Gaza crossings remain limited as partners expand psychosocial support; calls for fuel and staff

The United Nations told reporters that, as of the reporting period, Karim Abu Salam has been the only operational entry point into Gaza for humanitarian and commercial goods while other crossings such as Zikim remain closed.

The U.N. spokesperson said partners working on protection provided mental health and psychosocial support to more than 10,000 people between May 11 and 17, about half of whom were caregivers and children. Services included recreational activities, art and drama sessions, counseling and parenting support delivered in shelters, camps, schools and other displacement sites across Gaza.

"To continue these services, particularly for children and adolescents, we need fuel, we need safe spaces to provide these services, and we need more staff as well as basic resources," the spokesperson said.

The briefing also referenced an OCHA report that an Israeli air strike hit a residential area roughly 200 meters from five humanitarian facilities in Derbala; no staff injuries were reported and the team was assessing damage. The U.N. reiterated that civilians and humanitarians must be protected and called for more crossings to be opened and for increased deliveries of critical supplies.

Why it matters: limited crossings and shortages of fuel, staffing and safe spaces could interrupt psychosocial and child-protection services at a time when providers report increased needs, including reports of early marriages linked to the conflict.

The U.N. did not provide a timetable for reopening additional crossings; the spokesperson said more critical supplies and assistance must be let in.