UNITED NATIONS, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Funding shortfalls are constraining humanitarian operations in the occupied Palestinian territory, leaving more people hungry or without access to critical services, a UN spokesperson said Monday.
The 2026 flash appeal, which seeks just over 4 billion U.S. dollars to support nearly three million people across Gaza and the West Bank, is currently only 12 percent funded, with 490 million dollars received so far, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN chief, told a daily briefing, citing the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
One clear impact is on food assistance, Haq said, noting that in Gaza, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners are supporting kitchens in serving 1 million meals a day, which is down from 1.8 million daily meals in February.
Apart from limited funding, humanitarian operations are undermined by constraints on the entry of critical spare parts, back-up generators and other equipment, as well as shortages of fuel and engine oil. In addition, they are limited by restrictions on the operations of key partners, movement restrictions within Gaza and damaged roads and infrastructure, he said.
Meanwhile, military operations in Gaza continue to affect civilians. Over the weekend, UN partners on the ground recorded the displacement of more than 150 families from eastern Khan Younis and from eastern Gaza City. Affected families said they fled because of tank movements or bombing, Haq said.
Most of Gaza's 2.1 million residents remain displaced, often in dire conditions, according to the spokesperson.
"Civilians must always be protected, and this includes allowing them to move to safer places where their basic needs can be met. They must also be allowed to voluntarily return when conditions permit," Haq said. ■
