United Nations Radio

A senior United Nations official says it is crucial that the fighting stops in the Gaza Strip and that food and fuel be delivered rapidly.

Maxwell Gaylard

UN humanitarian coordinator Maxwell Gaylard said in a statement in Jerusalem that "we are in a life or death situation for many people today."
He said "conditions for parents and children in Gaza are dangerous and frightening."
Gaylard said "it is absolutely crucial that there is an end to the fighting."
And he warned that otherwise, more civilians will die."
He said "without the violence stopping, it is extremely difficult to get food to people who need it," noting that the UN cannot "assess where the most urgent needs are, and it's too dangerous for civilians to leave their homes to seek urgent medical treatment, buy supplies and assist people in distress."
Gaylard urged Israel to open the conveyor belt at the Karni crossing to allow in urgently needed grain for distribution to 750,00 Palestinians who rely on UN food assistance.
More than 390 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military action since Saturday and more than 1900 others wounded.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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