FLASH
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Israel has again closed the Kerem Shalom and Al Awja border crossings between Egypt, Israel and the Gaza Strip, preventing the passage of humanitarian aid.
The reason given is always the same: Friday is an official holiday in both Egypt and Israel. During the week, 370 trucks passed through both crossings.
The UN says Israel has not provided a clear explanation why military authorities have not yet opened access to Gaza through Rafah, a key entry point for the distribution of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population.
"I think the question should be asked to both the Israelis and the Egyptians," said spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
The United Nations says that since the ceasefire began on October 10, Israeli authorities have rejected 23 requests to allow nearly 4,000 pallets of essential supplies into Gaza, including tents, insulation and structural kits, bedding, kitchen sets and blankets. Moreover, according to the UN, these problems are exacerbated by the risk of explosive devices.
Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said some people have been injured while collecting firewood; others have been forced to set up tents near areas suspected of containing unexploded ordnance, simply because they have no safer alternative.
Meanwhile, European Commission spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova stated at a press conference that the situation in Gaza is not good at all. She stressed that the humanitarian situation in particular remains dire as winter approaches.
"Winter is coming and the situation in Gaza has not improved as much as we would like," European Commission spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova told a press conference. There was a window of opportunity during the ceasefire, but unfortunately it is still not enough in terms of humanitarian aid and what is needed in Gaza, because civilians are still suffering and the humanitarian situation remains dire. What we do is cooperate with our partners, mainly with the UN agencies that provide aid.
"We are seeing some irregularities. Sometimes more trucks are allowed to cross the borders, sometimes less, so that at least some of the aid reaches Gaza. Before winter, we will also try to focus on the fact that people will need shelter and equipment for the winter. At the same time, we have continued to negotiate with the Israeli authorities at a technical level, trying to explain the needs to our partners and avoid the restrictions and obstacles that humanitarian workers face," European Commission spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova said at a press conference.
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