Egypt hosts conference on humanitarian response in Gaza
More than 100 delegations representing countries and international organisations have met in Egypt for a summit seeking to “enhance the humanitarian response” in war-torn Gaza.
The conference was held as part of Egyptian efforts to address catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Gaza, officials there said.
UN deputy chief Amina Mohammed opened the conference by urging an end to the “nightmare” in Gaza.
Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory Muhammad Hadi also spoke, calling for a ceasefire and assurances that “humanitarian workers must have safe, rapid, unimpeded and sustained access to all people in need.”
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa also delivered remarks as did representatives of the Egyptian and Palestine Red Crescent societies.
Gaza’s Media Office slams UNRWA’s decision to pause aid deliveries
Gaza’s Government Media Office says a decision by the UN refugee agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) to halt the delivery of much-needed aid to the hunger-stricken, besieged territory is “shocking and surprising”.
In a statement, the office blamed Israel for the “dangerous ramifications” of the move and called on UNRWA to resume the delivery of aid via other border crossings. Earlier, UNRWA said its decision to stop delivering aid via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom to Israelis) crossing was due to security concerns.
“We urge to uphold its humanitarian responsibilities and retract the decision that is going to threaten the lives of more than two million people, especially women and children,” it said.
“UNRWA was supposed to announce an increase in aid that would enter via other border crossings instead.”
Barking up the wrong tree here, UNWRA is going above and beyond. However with Israel standing by, watching armed gangs loot anything that crosses into Gaza, actively routing convoys on dangerous roads and holding them up, there's no safety for the drivers.
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