Head of Unrwa Philippe Lazzarini says military authorities told the UN that convoys will no longer be approved
Displaced Palestinians collect food donated by a charity before an iftar meal in Dair El-Balah, Gaza Strip on 24 March.Displaced Palestinians collect food donated by a charity before an iftar meal in Dair El-Balah, Gaza Strip on 24 March.Israel has reportedly barred the UN agency for Palestinian refugees from making aid deliveries in northern Gaza, where the threat of famine is highest, the head of Unrwa has said.
Israel did not immediately respond on Sunday to AFP’s request for comment about Lazzarini’s statement. The Unrwa spokesperson, Juliette Touma, said the decision had been relayed in a meeting with Israeli military officials on Sunday. It followed two denials in writing for convoy deliveries to the north last week.Gaza faces dire humanitarian conditions as a result of Israel’s war against Hamas that began nearly six months ago, triggered by Hamas’s deadly attack on southern Israel on 7 October.
He added: “The decision to block its food convoys to the north only pushes thousands closer to famine. It must be revoked.” Israel has accused Unrwa staff members of participating in the 7 October attack and called the agency “a front for Hamas”.
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