The High Representative of the Board of Peace, Nickolay Mladenov, has identified Israeli restrictions at border crossings as the primary obstacle preventing humanitarian aid from reaching civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking in an interview with Egypt’s Al-Qahera News on Friday, Mladenov said that despite growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis, the flow of assistance into Gaza remains severely constrained by multiple challenges.
“There are multi-layered challenges hindering the sustainable and adequate delivery of aid,” he said, emphasizing that the situation on the ground is deteriorating as access to essential supplies remains limited.
Mladenov pointed specifically to restrictions imposed by Israel at key border crossings, describing them as the most significant barrier to aid delivery. He noted that controls on so-called “dual-use” items—goods that could have both civilian and military applications—are particularly restrictive, often preventing the entry of critical materials needed for basic services and healthcare.
“These restrictions constitute the biggest obstacle,” he said, explaining that limitations on such goods are affecting not only infrastructure repair but also the functioning of hospitals and humanitarian operations.
The envoy further highlighted the destruction of previous aid distribution systems as a major setback. According to him, mechanisms that once facilitated the delivery of food, medical supplies, and other essentials have been dismantled during the course of the conflict, leaving a vacuum that has yet to be effectively filled.
“Former aid distribution systems were destroyed by the war. Effective alternatives to reach the population have not yet been established, creating a major logistical problem,” Mladenov stated.
He added that the continued deployment of Israeli forces inside large parts of Gaza has compounded the difficulties. More than half of the territory remains under Israeli control, he said, limiting the ability of humanitarian agencies to operate freely and deliver assistance to affected populations.
The Gaza Strip has been facing a deepening humanitarian crisis, with widespread shortages of food, clean water, medical supplies, and shelter. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned of worsening conditions, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and the injured.
Despite these urgent needs, Mladenov expressed concern that global attention to the crisis has declined in recent weeks due to shifting regional priorities and competing international developments.
He acknowledged financial commitments made by members of the Board of Peace—including Egypt, the United States, and several Gulf states—but stressed that pledges alone are not sufficient.
“The real challenge lies in translating these commitments into tangible assistance on the ground,” he said, calling for faster and more effective implementation of aid programs.
Among the urgent priorities outlined by Mladenov is the provision of temporary housing for displaced civilians. With thousands of homes destroyed or damaged, many families remain without adequate shelter, exposing them to harsh conditions and increasing their vulnerability.
He also underscored the critical need to rebuild Gaza’s health sector, which has been severely impacted by the conflict. Hospitals and clinics have struggled to operate amid shortages of equipment, medicines, and personnel, further complicating efforts to treat the injured and manage ongoing health needs.
Another key concern raised by the envoy is the disruption to education. Mladenov warned that a generation of children in Gaza has been out of school for extended periods, a situation that could have long-term consequences if not urgently addressed.
“The reintegration of children into the education system is essential,” he said, noting that prolonged interruptions in schooling could affect not only academic development but also social stability and future opportunities.
Humanitarian organizations have echoed similar concerns, urging all parties involved in the conflict to facilitate safe and unimpeded access for aid deliveries. They have also called for the protection of civilians and infrastructure, in line with international humanitarian law.
Mladenov’s remarks add to growing international pressure for measures that would ease restrictions and improve conditions in Gaza. While diplomatic efforts continue, the situation on the ground remains critical, with millions of people in need of immediate assistance.
As the crisis persists, attention is increasingly focused on whether stakeholders can overcome logistical, political, and security barriers to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. For now, Mladenov’s warning highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to address one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges in the region.
