Key PointsThe UN said Israel has informed it that it will no longer approve UNRWA food convoys to the north of Gaza.In January, Israel accused a dozen UNRWA staff of involvement in the 7 October Hamas attacks against Israel.UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini, who was visiting Cairo last week, was denied entry to Gaza by Israeli authorities.
The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said Israel has informed the UN it will no longer approve UNRWA food convoys to the north of Gaza.
“This is outrageous and makes it intentional to obstruct lifesaving assistance during a man-made famine. These restrictions must be lifted,” UNRWA head .
UNRWA, which provides aid and services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and across the region, has been in crisis since Israel accused a dozen of its staff of involvement in the 7 October Hamas attacks against Israel.
The allegations prompted UNRWA’s biggest donor, the United States, and others to pause funding, putting the agency’s future in doubt.
Some countries including Canada, Australia and Sweden have since restored funding.
UNRWA and Egypt said last week that Lazzarini, who was on a visit to Cairo, was denied entry to Gaza by Israeli authorities.
“By preventing UNRWA to fulfill its mandate in Gaza, the clock will tick faster towards famine & many more will die of hunger, dehydration + lack of shelter,” Lazzarini added.
Israel has bombarded Gaza since Hamas’ 7 October attack in which more than 1,200 people were killed and over 200 hostages taken, according to the Israeli government.
More than 32,000 people have been killed in Gaza since 7 Octoberaccording to the health ministry in Gaza.
The 7 October attack was a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
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