The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said on Tuesday that food distribution in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah was currently suspended due to lack of supplies and to insecurity amid Israel’s offensive there.

Deliveries of international aid have dropped off significantly since Israel stepped up military operations in and around Rafah earlier this month, closing the border crossing to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

On Monday, Israeli forces renewed attacks in central Gaza, bombarding towns in the north of the enclave and saying it would broaden its operations in Rafah, despite international warnings of a risk of mass casualties in the densely populated city. On Tuesday, IDF forces raided the West Bank city of Jenin, reportedly killing seven Palestinians, including a doctor.

According to an UNRWA post on X (formerly Twitter), only seven out of its 24 health centers are currently operational. The UN agency said it had not received any medical supplies in the past ten days due to “closures/disruptions” at the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings into Gaza.

“We desperately need a safe passage – not just for humanitarian supplies but also for humanitarian personnel,” UNRWA Communications Officer Louise Wateridge said.