The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) urgently called on the Israeli government to enable humanitarian supplies and its staff timely access to Gaza, in accordance with its obligations under international law. The Agency has not received an approval for access to Gaza for essential humanitarian supplies meant to provide relief to the distressed population, despite immense needs following many days of conflict. The Agency said that in accordance with international law, the United Nations enjoys in the territory of each of its Members such privileges and immunities as are necessary for the fulfilment of its purposes. It added that under international humanitarian law and human rights law parties to a conflict are under an obligation to allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of impartial humanitarian relief to the civilian population, and to respect and protect their right to essential levels of human rights such as food, primary health care, and basic shelter and housing. Adnan Abu Hasnah, UNRWA Media Adviser, on the other hand, warned against the Israeli occupation authorities’ continued closure of Kerem Abu Salem border crossing; the only commercial crossing in the Gaza Strip, and pointed that such closure will create a serious crisis in Gaza. He called on Israel to open it for the passage of food and essential supplies. For further details, click here.