United Nations, June 11 (IANS). Rafa checkpoint has been reopened. After its opening, it will help in medical evacuation of needy patients from Gaza. Giving information about this, UN officials associated with relief operations said that preparations related to this have been completed.
The Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border has been reopened to a limited number of people traveling in both directions after being closed for two days by Israeli authorities, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Assistance was also provided to people returning to Gaza.
The Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem border crossing has also been reopened for the delivery of food items and other humanitarian aid, OCHA said in its latest situation report, according to Xinhua News Agency. However, operations are still not smooth as this is the only open border point for cargo movement at present.
The World Food Program (WFP) reported that it delivered food aid to about 1.4 million people in the Gaza Strip last month. This included food packets, bundles of bread, hot meals and malnutrition treatment. Apart from this, cash assistance was also provided to about 5 lakh people.
On Tuesday, Palestinian armed elements backed by Israeli forces detained several Palestinians, including ambulance workers from the Palestine Red Crescent Society, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
In a statement released on social media platforms, OHCHR called on Israel to ensure public order and security in Gaza and to stop “violations of international law, including obstruction of medical services.”
Meanwhile, incidents of violence by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank are continuously coming to light.
According to OCHA, 57 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the beginning of this year as of Monday, including 13 children and 2 women. Of these, 41 people died at the hands of Israeli forces, 13 were killed by Israeli settlers, while 3 people are believed to be responsible for the deaths of Israeli forces or settlers.
So far this year, OCHA has recorded more than 980 incidents involving settlers in more than 230 communities, including casualties or damage to property. On an average, 6 such incidents are being recorded every day.
“The United Nations reiterates its call for the protection of all persons, including civilians and health workers, and for full respect for international law,” the Office of Humanitarian Affairs said.
–IANS
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