Sigrid Kaag, the UN Senior Humanitarian and Recovery Coordinator in Gaza, visits Deir el-Balah (archive). UN Senior Coordinator in Gaza holds meetings with Israeli and Palestinian Prime Ministers Peace and Security
UN Senior Humanitarian and Recovery Coordinator in Gaza Sigrid Kaag held meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, as well as with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, UN Assistant Spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay said at a briefing in New York on Tuesday.
She said the talks with Israeli officials focused on implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2720. Kaag also raised the issue of measures to resolve the dramatic humanitarian situation in Gaza and stressed the UN’s position on UNRWA.
During the dialogue with Palestinian officials, the focus was on coordinating efforts to resume the Palestinian Authority’s functions in Gaza.
Situation in Gaza
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on Thursday that the only UN aid allowed into northern Gaza since the Israeli siege began a month ago was the delivery of medicines to local hospitals.
“The Israeli offensive is depriving Palestinians of basic necessities, including water,” said Stephanie Tremblay. “Humanitarian workers cannot do their work safely. Lack of access and security prevents them from reaching those in need.”
Despite ongoing fighting, the World Health Organization and its partners carried out the largest medical evacuation from Gaza since October on Wednesday, transporting 90 patients, including 38 children. The patients were later transferred to the United Arab Emirates and Romania.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said 40 of the agency’s trucks carrying medical and hygiene supplies were waiting at the Gaza Strip’s borders with Egypt and Jordan for permission to enter Gaza.
Squashing Lebanon
UN peacekeepers in Lebanon said the Israeli army was continuing to carry out airstrikes across the country, causing numerous casualties. Hezbollah, in turn, launched several drones and missiles at Israel over the past 24 hours.
“The ongoing fighting puts peacekeepers at risk,” said UN spokeswoman Stephanie Tremblay. “Today, a convoy carrying newly arrived peacekeepers to southern Lebanon passed by Saida, which was hit by a drone strike. Five peacekeepers were slightly injured and were given first aid on the spot by the Lebanese Red Cross. Three Lebanese soldiers were also injured at a nearby checkpoint.”
Humanitarian Efforts in Lebanon
A UN humanitarian convoy delivered food, water and winter clothing to the town of Deir el-Ahmar in Lebanon’s Baalbek-Hermel Governorate on Thursday for 4,000 people living in nine collective shelters.
The Israeli army has ordered the evacuation of more than 160 villages in conflict-affected areas of Lebanon since the current escalation of hostilities, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
About 30,000 displaced people are currently in Baalbek province, many of whom have been forced to move multiple times this week. Collective shelters are overwhelmed, with 85 percent operating at capacity.