This Thursday, UN Secretary General António Guterres welcomed the movement of people and humanitarian assistance through the Rafah crossing.
The border crossing with the Gaza Strip was opened this week to allow the crossing of some 80 sick and injured Palestinians who are to receive treatment in Egypt, and for several foreign passport holders and United Nations staff to be rotated.
“All of this is an important step in the right direction, which we must build upon,” Guterres’ spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, emphasized.
Since aid deliveries resumed on October 21st, humanitarian convoys carrying food, water, and medicine have entered Gaza via the Rafah border crossing, while fuel deliveries remain prohibited, Dujarric lamented. He also stressed that The UN remains committed to continue its intensive work with all parties to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable people in Gaza.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) assured that some 690,000 Palestinians are taking refuge in 149 facilities throughout Gaza. The entity estimates that 160,000 people are housed in 57 shelters in the north end in Gaza City following the evacuation order from the Israeli authorities. However, it warned that it can no longer provide services to displaced people in those areas.
The Agency, which is the largest aid provider in Gaza, still needs $100 million for its operations this year. This includes the money it needs to pay the salaries of its staff in the Strip.
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