UN Aid Operations Halt Amid New Evacuation Orders in Gaza

United Nations aid operations in Gaza were halted due to new evacuation orders from Israel. The UN had planned to vaccinate 640,000 children against polio, but escalating conflict has impeded efforts. Despite the challenging conditions, UNRWA continues providing essential services while calling for humanitarian pauses.

Amid escalating conflict, United Nations aid operations in Gaza came to a halt following new Israeli evacuation orders for Deir Al-Balah. This location housed the U.N. operations center. Despite the challenges, the U.N. plans to vaccinate 640,000 children against polio, a campaign set to begin on Saturday.

"We're unable to deliver today with the conditions that we're in," said a senior U.N. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The official confirmed that U.N. operations in Gaza had not been formally suspended, stressing the balance between operational needs and security of U.N. personnel.

Sam Rose, a senior field director for the UNRWA, highlighted that while UNRWA continues delivering health services, they face intensified challenges as operational zones shrink. The U.N. World Food Program reported severe food aid shortages, with only half of required supplies delivered.

(With inputs from agencies.)