UNICEF Ireland urges action as fragile Gaza truce falters and aid efforts face new barriers
DUBLIN, 5 November 2025 – As renewed Israeli airstrikes continue to violate the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, UNICEF Ireland is urgently calling for the immediate opening of all border crossings and unrestricted humanitarian access to protect children caught in the escalating crisis.
Since 10 October, when the peace deal went into effect, UNICEF has delivered 9,849 pallets of life-saving aid to Gaza via 441 truckloads, including clean water, nutrition, hygiene kits, and medical supplies.
These deliveries are verified through the UN’s trusted tracking system, confirming that aid is reaching children and families in desperate need.
Airstrikes
However, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly. In the first days of November alone, Israeli airstrikes have killed multiple civilians and damaged critical infrastructure.
Gaza health authorities report that over 230 Palestinians have been killed and more than 600 injured since the ceasefire began on October 10.
UNICEF is calling for the immediate opening of all border crossings into Gaza to enable the full flow of humanitarian aid and essential supplies.
The organisation stresses the urgent need for safe, rapid, and unrestricted access for humanitarian personnel and goods throughout Gaza, including northern regions. With winter approaching and the risk of famine rising, UNICEF warns that delays in aid clearance and movement are putting children’s lives at even greater risk.
Thousands of tonnes of supplies—including medical kits, nutrition, water, sanitation, and education materials—need to be delivered, but access restrictions continue to hinder life-saving operations.
Access
Speaking from Dublin, Peter Power, Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland, said: “Children in Gaza are facing a triple threat: renewed violence, blocked aid, and the onset of winter.
“UNICEF continues to deliver essential supplies, but without open borders and safe access, we cannot reach the scale required. Ireland must stand up for humanitarian access and demand that all crossings are opened immediately.”
UNICEF Ireland is calling on the Irish Government, EU partners, and the international community to press for the removal of restrictions on humanitarian aid and personnel, and to ensure that the ceasefire is upheld in both word and deed.
For more information, please contact:
Vivienne Parry | UNICEF Ireland | +353 87 717 5344 | [email protected]