UN says warehouse in Gaza's Khan Younis damaged by debris after Israeli strike

The UN reported on Thursday that a UN warehouse in Khan Younis, inside the Gaza Strip, sustained damage from flying debris following a nearby Israeli airstrike. UN spokesperson Shirin Yaseen said during a news conference, citing humanitarian colleagues, that "a UN warehouse sustained damage from flying debris following an Israeli airstrike nearby." "Thankfully, no UN staff were injured. This is based on information received from our safety and security partners," she said.

"To scale up services, we once more call for the lifting of restrictions on the entry of humanitarian supplies, specialized equipment, engine oil, spare parts, and other supplies," she said. "We also urge member states to provide additional funding for aid efforts." Asked about UN contacts with Israeli officials about restrictions on humanitarian operations as winter approaches, Yaseen said, "The contacts are open and the channels are open constantly."

"Aid comes in, but it’s not enough. We need more, and we need all crossings to be open, but we are working now with what we have," she said. She added that she could not discuss details of talks with Israeli officials, but said the UN is trying hard to secure aid, especially tents and blankets for those in need ahead of winter. Since October 2023, Israel’s war on Gaza has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians and wounded over 175,000, while causing widespread destruction affecting about 90% of the enclave’s civilian infrastructure.