HAMILTON, Canada

The UN said Friday that Israel has rejected 23 humanitarian aid requests since the Gaza ceasefire began on Oct. 10, leaving critical relief supplies blocked from entering the enclave.

"Millions of urgently needed shelter items remain stuck in Jordan and in Egypt and Israel as well, awaiting approval to enter Gaza," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a news conference.

He said that "since the ceasefire began on October 10, Israeli authorities have rejected 23 requests from nine of our partners to bring in nearly 4,000 pallets of critical supplies, including tents, sealing and framing kits, bedding, kitchen sets, and blankets."

Dujarric warned that the worsening conditions are putting civilians at further risk, noting that "the dire living conditions are also increasing people's exposure to explosive ordnance, with children among those most at risk."

"Since the ceasefire, our colleagues working on mine action have recorded more than 10 injuries from explosive hazards," he said, adding that the risk is "further compounded by Gaza's extremely limited geographical size, which leaves little room to avoid areas where there may be unexploded ordnance."

Highlighting the severity of potential hazard zones, Dujarric reported that "even minimal contamination can have widespread and devastating consequences."

"Since the ceasefire, our partners have responded to more than 70 requests for explosive-hazard assessments, supported 32 inter-agency missions, and delivered risk education sessions to over 49,000 people across Gaza," he said, stressing that much more could be done if the UN Mine Action Service was allowed to "get access to detectors, spare parts, and equipment needed to safely dispose of explosive hazards."

He further emphasized the need "for the full and sustained opening of existing and additional crossings, clearance of further critical items and equipment for entry, and comprehensive facilitation of our work and the work of our NGO partners."