For Muslim Palestinians, the end of Eid Al Fitr comes as Gazans are trapped in “one of the most brutal wars in recent history”, said UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini on Thursday.Mr. McGoldrick represented UN humanitarians and partners on Wednesday in a meeting with the Southern Command of the Israeli Defense Forces, as well as COGAT, the Israeli body responsible for the flow of aid in Gaza.Residents described dire shortages of food and water and the loss of critical health services due to the destruction of Al-Nasser and Al-Amal hospitals.“Unless humanitarian aid workers are protected, in accordance with international humanitarian law, aid cannot reach people in need,” said UNICEF in a statement.
Streets littered with bombs
Speaking to journalists at the noon briefing in New York, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said “we will continue to work with all those committed to alleviating the humanitarian suffering in Gaza and to advocate for principled and safe aid delivery.© UNOCHA/Themba Linden“Humanitarians are working hard to support them, but we need security, access and reliable facilitation by Israeli forces, whose responsibilities don’t end when supplies are dropped off at the border,” said Jamie McGoldrick.He said the community there needs more supplies and support, including with food, water, health and sanitation.
Liaising with Israeli military
© UNOCHA/Themba Linden“That is our commitment and obligations to our teams and to the people we serve.”The veteran coordinator presented a list of requests to improve the delivery of assistance throughout the enclave at the necessary scale to avert looming widescale famine.Meanwhile, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that one of their vehicles was hit by live ammunition on Wednesday while waiting to enter northern Gaza.
The team found unexploded 1,000-pound bombs lying on the main intersections and inside schools.
The agency said the incident has been raised with the relevant Israeli authorities.
