WFP spox: IOF imposes systematic restrictions on aid in north Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
23 Jan 2024 23:23
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WFP spox says very small quantities of food and aid have reached northern Gaza.

A Palestinian girl, displaced by the Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip is seen at the makeshift tent camp in Rafah on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 (AP)

A spokesperson for the United Nations' World Food Programme, Abeer Etefa, stated that "Israel" has imposed restrictions on the WFP program in Gaza and tightened restrictions on the entry of aid to the northern part of the Strip specifically.

The spokesperson for the United Nations World Food Programme, Abeer Etefa, affirmed on Tuesday that 'Israel" is systematically imposing restrictions on the access of humanitarian missions to the northern part of Gaza.

Etefa mentioned that it is challenging to reach places in need of assistance, especially in the northern part of the Strip, noting that very small quantities of food and aid have reached northern Gaza.

She also noted that the latest missions of the World Food Programme for food assistance to northern Gaza were executed on January 11th and 13 of this month.

She pointed out the existence of "systematic restrictions on entry into northern Gaza, not only on the World Food Programme."

Earlier today, UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini reported that 6 displaced individuals lost their lives after the IOF targeted a UN-run shelter in Khan Younis, located in the southern Gaza Strip.

"One of the largest [UNRWA] shelters in Khan Yunis (southern Gaza) was hit during military operations yesterday [Monday]. At least 6 displaced people were killed, and many more were injured during intense fighting around our shelter," Philippe Lazzarini said.

Amid the chaos, shelter staff, patients, and displaced individuals found themselves trapped in various local hospitals. Lazzarini emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "Heavy fighting continues, leaving individuals stranded and vulnerable."

"I call on all parties to take every precaution to minimize harm and protect civilians, medical facilities, and personnel and [UN] premises in accordance with international law," Lazzarini implored.

Meanwhile, the Palestine Red Crescent Society reported on Tuesday that Israeli shelling targeted al-Amal Hospital and its headquarters in Khan Younis, resulting in one death and 12 injuries.