UN affirms commitment to seizing every opportunity to save lives in Gaza despite obstacles

The United Nations affirmed its commitment, together with its humanitarian partners, to seizing every possible opportunity to save lives in the Gaza Strip, stressing that relief efforts continue despite numerous obstacles one month after the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel.

In a statement marking one month since the ceasefire took effect, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, said that ongoing humanitarian operations include providing food assistance to more than one million people, reopening nutrition centers and resuming vital vaccination campaigns, as well as repairing water lines, restoring hospitals to operation, distributing winter clothing and blankets, and providing psychosocial support services.

“But many obstacles remain. We’re working to overcome red tape, enable essential humanitarian partners, open more crossings and routes, and navigate continued insecurity” Fletcher said.

He stressed that the UN could achieve far more to save lives if these restrictions were eased. Despite the fragile situation and persistent obstacles on the ground, UN agencies and their partners continue to reach areas of the Gaza Strip that were previously inaccessible before the ceasefire.