United Nations Radio

The UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees-UNRWA says it will resume its full operation in Gaza when it receives credible assurance from the Israeli authorities regarding the reliability of their mechanisms for ensuring security for UNRWA's personnel, installations and humanitarian operations.

Assisting the Gazans

UNRWA says it expects Israel and Hamas to abide by Thursday's Security Council resolution which calls for unimpeded provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza and for an immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire.

UNRWA has temporarily suspended movements of its staff throughout the Gaza Strip, with serious consequences for its principal operations.

The agency says the decision, taken after careful consideration of its humanitarian implications, was compelled by incidents in which UNRWA staff, convoys and installations have come under attack.

The temporary suspension primarily affects food distribution and other UNRWA operations that involve significant vehicle movement across Gaza.

UNRWA says its Palestinian and international staff will however maintain their presence in Gaza and continue to serve displaced civilians who seek safety in UNRWA schools.

The agency says its clinics will also remain open.

Donn Bobb, United Nations Radio

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