UN Urges Israel To Facilitate Humanitarian Aid Distribution In Gaza Strip

Palestinians while taking refuge in Gaza. (Twitter/@UNLazzarini)

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday Israel as a occupation force in the Gaza Strip, Palestine was required to allow the United Nations to fulfill its responsibilities.

At his daily press conference in New York, United States, Dujarric responded to Israel's recent proposal to take over the distribution of food in Gaza, stating, "The PBB has not been contacted or given any plans regarding this matter," the WAFA said on September 6.

Dujarric further said that although Israel had proposed this idea beforehand, he reiterated, "UNRWA is the backbone, heart, lungs and arms to distribute health, food and humanitarian aid in Gaza."

He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "very dire", highlighting a 35 percent drop in food distribution compared to July.

Dujarric attributed this significant decline to the "evacuation order" issued periodically by Israeli authorities.

Separately, Gaza's health authorities confirmed on Thursday that at least 17 people were killed and 56 others injured as a result of Israeli attacks in the past 24 hours.

That has left the death toll of Palestinians since the latest conflict broke out on October 7, 2023, has reached 40,878, while injuries have reached 94,454. The majority of victims were women and children.