UN says Gaza crossings closed, warns humanitarian flow at risk

Farhan, a United Nations spokesperson, told reporters that Israeli authorities had closed the Kerem Shalom (Karam Shalom) and Rafah crossings and as of the briefing none of the crossings were open that day. He said humanitarians had at times been allowed to collect cargo from the Palestinian side but that "nothing is coming in from outside" at present.

The spokesperson said the Secretary-General is "deeply concerned by the decision to close" the crossings and called for the "immediate resumption of humanitarian movements at scale into and throughout Gaza," stressing obligations under international humanitarian law. He warned that humanitarian needs in Gaza are immense and that the flow of supplies cannot be sustained if crossings remain closed.

Reporters asked whether Israel linked the closures to fighting in Lebanon or other theaters. Farhan said the Israeli authorities had related the closures to "the recent outburst of fighting," and added the UN expected additional statements. He noted the UN position is that crossings into Gaza should not be closed because civilian survival depends on aid and commercial traffic.

The briefing also highlighted the broader humanitarian context, including an OCHA flash appeal that requested an additional $331.5 million to help 1.4 million people; the spokesperson warned that without new contributions the response could be disrupted by July 1. No timetable for reopening crossings was provided during the briefing.