Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) — A planned expansion of humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip has been disrupted after the ceasefire agreement came into force, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said on Wednesday.
"We must not miss the opportunity to fully implement the agreements reached," he said. "Earlier this week, we were able to begin scaling up humanitarian aid after months of frustration and blockades. Food, medicine, fuel, water, cooking gas, and tents were delivered to those in need. We made progress in clearing roads and reopening bakeries. We shared in the joy and relief of reunited families."
Israel announced on Tuesday that it was halving the number of humanitarian aid trucks allowed into Gaza (by about 300 trucks).
Israeli authorities claim the measure was prompted by Hamas's failure to retrieve the remains of the dead hostages.
T. Fletcher said Hamas must make every effort to return all the bodies of the dead hostages, and Israel must allow a massive influx of humanitarian aid on which many lives depend.
The humanitarian community is determined to save lives despite the obstacles, the emergency relief coordinator said.
“We will not tolerate any interference in the distribution of our aid,” he added.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), headed by T. Fletcher, reported that humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip continue.
OCHA said its partners are supporting the preparation or delivery of hundreds of thousands of meals and bags of bread every day.
The department reported that on Monday, the Karam Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) and Kissufim border crossings on the Israeli side were closed for the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Cargo could not be unloaded, and only a limited amount of goods, previously cleared through the checkpoint, could be received on the Gaza side.
OCHA added that both crossings remained closed to humanitarian aid from the Israeli side on Tuesday. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.