UN AGENCY TO RESUME SUSPENDED AID DISTRIBUTIONS IN GAZA AFTER ISRAELI ASSURANCES

UN AGENCY TO RESUME SUSPENDED AID DISTRIBUTIONS IN GAZA AFTER ISRAELI ASSURANCES
New York, Jan 9 2009 1:10PM
The United Nations will resume suspended aid activities in Gaza as soon as possible after receiving credible assurances from Israel that the security of its personnel, installations and humanitarian operations will be fully respected during the current conflict there.

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) yesterday suspended food delivery operations to 750,000 Palestinian refugees after Israeli strikes killed one of its drivers and injured a second although they had received Israeli clearance.

"In a high level meeting today at Israeli Ministry of Defense Headquarters in Tel Aviv, the UN was informed that the incidents which led to a temporary suspension of UN staff movements are deeply regretted and do not reflect official government policy," UNRWA and the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) said in a joint statement on the 14th day of the offensive launched by Israel with the stated aim of ending Hamas rocket attacks.

"The UN received credible assurances that the security of UN personnel, installations and humanitarian operations would be fully respected, including undertakings of improved liaison and more effective internal coordination within the IDF [Israeli Defence Forces]. On this basis, UN staff movements suspended yesterday will resume as soon as possible. The UN will keep the safety and security of its staff under constant review."

The UN urged the parties to respect the Security Council ceasefire resolution adopted last night, in particular its call for the unimpeded provision and distribution throughout Gaza of humanitarian assistance, and for an immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire.
Jan 9 2009 1:10PM
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