UN aid agency calls for safe access to Gaza

A picture taken from Rafah shows smoke billowing over Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip during Israeli bombardment on December 30, 2023. (Photo by AFP)

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has called for safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to Gaza.

It’s to ensure humanitarian supplies reach the Gaza Strip to meet the enormous needs, including fuel, food, medicine, water and hygiene materials.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini objected to recent accusations leveled by Israel that UN relief workers failed in their duties.
Lazzarini said that this is “baseless misinformation,” adding that “this is not the time to exchange accusations and promote disinformation.”

Earlier on Friday, the Israeli army issued instructions to residents of the city of Khan Yunis, south of Gaza, to head towards the city of Rafah, to the southwest on the Egyptian border.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza announced earlier Friday that 187 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli attacks during the past 24 hours.

The Ministry distributed a brief statement to journalists, stating that the Israeli attacks resulted in 312 casualties of various types. According to the ministry, the toll from the Israeli war on Gaza has risen to 21,507 deaths and 55,915 injuries since October 7th. 

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