UN: Israel refusing entry of aid to Gaza for 'unclear' reasons

Israeli forces take security measures as trucks carrying humanitarian aid and food pass through Kerem Shalom border crossing in Israel on December 22, 2023. [Enes Canlı – Anadolu Agency]

“Israel is refusing the entry of a significant amount of aid to Gaza for unclear reasons,” UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, has warned.

In a press statement issued yesterday, the UN official added: “We continue to face the frequent rejection for entry of much-needed items into Gaza by Israel, for unclear, inconsistent and often unspecified reasons.”

“We must also have access to civilians in need across Gaza. At present, our access to Khan Younis, the Middle Area and North Gaza is largely absent,” he added.

“The ability of the humanitarian community to reach the people of Gaza with relief remains grossly inadequate. This is not for want of trying.”

He emphasised that anyone who has been displaced from their home in Gaza should have the right to return voluntarily as required by international law.

Since 7 October, Israel’s genocidal military operation in Gaza has forced more than 1.7 million Palestinians out of their homes. Many of them have been displaced multiple times, as families have been forced to move repeatedly in search of safety.

Almost 66,000 have been injured, many losing one or both their limbs with Israel banning the entry of crutches in the enclave and thus leaving them immobile.

READ: Hamas says Israel’s crimes being exposed daily

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