Israel no longer allows food convoys into northern Gaza

(Patria) - The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) says Israel has informed the UN that it will no longer approve UNRWA food convoys into the northern part of Gaza.

Earlier today, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Israel to "lift the last obstacles" to aid entering the Gaza Strip, which is facing starvation, once again calling on the country and the Palestinian Hamas group for an "immediate ceasefire" to end the "nightmare" of the residents.

"This is incredible and aid that would save lives from man-made starvation is being deliberately obstructed. These restrictions must be lifted," said UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini on platform X.

UNRWA, which provides assistance to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and across the region, has been in crisis since Israel accused about a dozen of its employees of involvement in Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7.

The accusations prompted UNRWA's largest donor - the US, and some others to temporarily suspend funding, jeopardizing the agency's future. However, some other countries, including Canada, Australia, and Sweden, have decided to resume funding for UNRWA.

UNRWA and Egypt said last week that Israeli authorities denied Lazzarini entry into Gaza while he was visiting Cairo.

"By preventing UNRWA from fulfilling its mandate in Gaza, the clock will tick faster towards starvation, and many more people will die of hunger, dehydration, and lack of shelter," Lazzarini added.