UNICEF stated in a statement on Tuesday evening that Israel’s restrictions are hindering relief agencies from reaching those in need in the war-torn Gaza Strip. They explained that they are facing significant challenges in bringing in 1.6 million syringes and solar-powered refrigerators designated for storing children’s vaccines. UNICEF noted that these supplies have been awaiting entry permits since last August.
UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Peres said, “Israel considers syringes and refrigerators to be dual-use items, which means they could potentially be used for both military and civilian purposes. We are facing great difficulty in obtaining customs permits and overcoming inspections; nevertheless, they are essential for saving children’s lives.”
UNICEF continues to carry out a wide-ranging vaccination campaign amid the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, they launched the first of three rounds of catch-up vaccinations targeting more than 40,000 children under the age of three who have been deprived of routine vaccinations against polio, measles, and pneumonia over the past two years of war.
The UN organization added that “Israeli authorities continue to block other vital supplies, including approximately 938,000 bottles of ready-to-use infant milk, as well as spare parts for water trucks needed to distribute water in the region.”
On Monday, Hamas called on mediators and guarantors of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza to compel Israel to open the “Zikim” crossing to allow humanitarian and relief aid through Jordan without restrictions or delays. In a statement, the movement urged mediators, guarantors, countries, and international organizations to take urgent action to ensure the opening of the Zikim crossing for humanitarian aid through the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan without restrictions or delays.
It is noteworthy that US President Donald Trump announced on October 9, 2025, that Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement had reached an agreement to implement the first phase of the “peace plan,” which aims to end the two-year-long armed conflict in the Gaza Strip. Trump’s plan, presented on September 29, 2025, includes 20 provisions, most notably an immediate ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages within 72 hours and the formation of a technocratic administration under international supervision led by Trump himself, without participation from Hamas or other Palestinian factions in governance.
