UN official briefs Security Council on deteriorating situation in Gaza Strip

The UN Senior Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs and Reconstruction in Gaza has briefed the Security Council on the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Information Centre has reported.

“The situation in Gaza is completely devastated and the picture is bleak as civilians in the Strip continue to suffer,” said Sigrid Kaag after a closed session of the council late last night.

Speaking to reporters at UN headquarters after her briefing, Kaag referred to the inhumane conditions in which civilians, young and old, are trying to survive. She warned that the obstacles facing the UN and civilians there prevent the ultimate goal of delivering aid to civilians.

The UN official said that she had reminded the Security Council since last April of the risk of the collapse of law and order, with lawlessness and looting. “This has worsened amidst already very difficult circumstances, and is also affecting what remains of social fabric and stability,” she pointed out. “If there is political will and the parties reach and adhere to agreements – as happened with the polio vaccination campaign – then we can reach the people.”

Kaag mentioned the requests submitted to the Israeli government, including the need for winter and health supplies and all the basic essentials that Gaza lacks. She also noted that she discussed with the Israeli government the clear position of the UN regarding the mandate of UNRWA, which plays an “indispensable” role, especially in Gaza.

“What we also need when we talk about taking aid to Gaza is the reopening of the Rafah border crossing,” she added.

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