That’s according to UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, news correspondents in New York on Monday as indirect talks began in Egypt, which has been mediating negotiations with Qatar and the United States to end the war between Israel and Hamas.
On Friday, Hamas said it had agreed to significant parts of the 20-point US peace proposal, including the release of all living and dead Israeli hostages, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
One of the American proposals is the entry and distribution of aid to Gaza proceed “without interference from either side by the United Nations and its agencies and the Red Crescent.”
Waiting for a green light
Mr. Dujarric said in response to questions that the UN is “ready to go as soon as we get the green light… there are thousands of metric tons in the pipeline of goods ready to go in.”
Qatari and Egyptian negotiators would hold meetings with delegations from Israel and Hamas in Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday, amid hopes of bringing about an end to the conflict that began exactly two years ago with Hamas-led terrorist attacks against communities in southern Israel.
Israeli strikes on Gaza continued despite a call from US President Donald Trump to suspend its bombing campaign. Local health authorities said 21 Palestinians were killed on Sunday, with 96 injured.
The United Nations coordination office, Oshareports a reduction in airstrikes in recent days – but the bombings and shootings have continued.
Emergency funds released
Mr Dujarric said UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher had allocated $9 million Central Emergency Response Fund (Deer) Monday, to ensure adequate fuel supplies to continue vital services.
“Humanitarian access and movement across the strip remains difficult,” continued Mr. Dujarric.
“Yesterday, eight missions that required coordination with Israeli authorities were facilitated, but six other missions were refused and five had to be canceled by the organizers. »
Bakeries working flat
The world gastronomic program (WFP) was able to deliver wheat flour to bakeries this month, which is currently working up to 22 hours a day and producing 100,000 bundles of bread per day. “
The UN and humanitarian partners prepared and distributed a total of 885,000 meals in 167 kitchens across Gaza on Saturday. However, only 12 kitchens operate in the north.
“ We and our partners emphasize the need for unhindered and sustained access to all parts of Gaza so that aid can reach people, wherever they are.», Said the UN spokesperson.
Displacement sites and shelters in the south are overcrowded, pushing some families to stay in waste dumping sites such as Al Amal, where 70 tents have been set up in recent days.
OCHA stressed that UN teams and partners continue to do all they can to meet the urgent needs of people across the Strip, despite ongoing violence, limited supplies and restricted access.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
