UN says mechanism needed to verify Gaza aid truck numbers

The UN on Friday said humanitarian operations are continuing in the Gaza Strip, with aid convoys moving through multiple crossings and thousands of people recorded travelling across the territory.

Speaking at a press conference, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that yesterday, medical supplies, food, fuel, and other cargo were collected from the Kareem Shalom, Karim Abu Salam, and Kissufim crossings.

He added that partners monitoring movement across Gaza reported more than 17,600 movements from south to north and 12,900 movements from west to east in Khan Yunis on Wednesday.

UN relief chief Tom Fletcher entered Gaza from Egypt via the Israeli-controlled Karim Shalom crossing on Friday and visited Castle Bakery in Deir al-Bala, one of nine bakeries supported by the World Food Programme with fuel and ingredients across central and southern Gaza. Dujarric described Fletcher’s visit as the “first time” since the ceasefire and thanked the US for helping secure the necessary approvals from Israel and Egypt.

When asked how the UN verifies truck entry data provided by Israel’s COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories), Dujarric explained that these figures are given to mediators by COGAT. The UN can only verify the number of trucks it directly handles. He said:

“We hope to have a mechanism in the coming days to provide our own verified numbers. Part of the challenge is that we do not have UN monitors at every crossing.”

Dujarric noted that the UN is not always permitted to place monitors at all entry points, adding that restrictions come from Israel. He also stressed that the UN is “learning to operate in a new environment” and has seen improved cooperation from the Israeli side, which they hope will continue.

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