UN: Israeli Authorities Prevented Us from Accessing Rafah Crossing

United Nations agencies reported today, Tuesday, that the two main crossings into the Gaza Strip remain closed, effectively blocking external aid to the territory, which has very few stores. Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, stated during a press conference in Geneva: "Israel has closed the Rafah and Kerem Abu Salam crossings as part of its military operation in Rafah," noting that "Israeli authorities prevented the UN from accessing the Rafah crossing in the Gaza Strip." He revealed that "we are currently not present at the Rafah crossing because the COGAT (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories) office refused to allow us access to this area," which is the main point of entry for humanitarian assistance. He added, "The two main crossings for delivering aid to the Gaza Strip are now closed, and UN agencies have only very limited supplies within the Gaza Strip due to the humanitarian supplies being consumed." He continued: "The prolonged ban on fuel entering Gaza is undermining the humanitarian relief efforts in the territory."