ISRAELI OCCUPIED GAZA, 24 Feb. - (ANA) - In Gaza, UN humanitarian officials report that families are marking the first day of Ramadan in harsh conditions — many sheltering in unsafe areas or in the open, with limited access to food, water, and essential services.   

 

At the Rafah crossing with Egypt, conditions for passengers remain inadequate, according to UN aid coordination office OCHA.  

 

Humanitarian teams visiting the re-opened crossing found significant gaps in basic facilities, including too few latrines and handwashing stations, raising hygiene concerns. 

 

 

 

 

“People are experiencing prolonged waiting periods, often in areas with limited shade, with insufficient seating and a lack of wheelchairs. The condition of the access road to and from Rafah is also of concern, particularly for patients needing medical evacuation,” UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said in New York. 

 

The UN and its partners are engaging with relevant authorities to ensure safety and dignity for all crossing passengers. 

 

Aid agencies working on food security have also adjusted distribution hours to align with fasting times during Ramadan, aiming to reduce overcrowding and improve access for older people, persons with disabilities, and women heads of household.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/24 February 2026 - - -