“However, we remain concerned about all the acts of violence in Gaza and the reported attacks and attacks that took place yesterday.”
Dujarric urged all parties to fulfill their obligations and avoid any action that could lead to new hostilities, reiterating the Secretary-General’s call for the release of the remains of all deceased hostages.
Over the weekend, Humanitarian Affairs chief Tom Fletcher concluded a visit to Gaza, where he met with aid workers and inspected UN-supported projects, including a child nutrition centre, a hospital and a road clearing operation.
Debris removal underway
In Gaza City, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has launched a major debris removal operation, the first phase of a comprehensive debris management plan aimed at restoring access to essential services such as hospitals and schools.
“The debris represents a major challenge in Gaza, where the The estimated quantity ranges between 55 and 60 million tons,”said Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Representative in Palestine.
The UN agency is taking the first vital step by clearing roads and recycling materials to pave new access routes and temporary facilities.
Dozens of excavators and other vehicles have been deployed along Al-Jalaa Street, where UNDP says it is working around the clock to open roads that have been blocked for months.
“This is a very arduous process and will take many years to complete”Mr Cilliers warned.
Help steps open
UN humanitarian staff also reported progress in delivering aid under the ceasefire: the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) expanded temporary learning spaces and partners resumed distributing food parcels in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis.
“During the weekend, We, together with our partners, continue to raise help. of the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem and Kissufim crossings. This included hygiene and postpartum kits, medical supplies, fuel, water and food,” Dujarric said.
He added that on Sunday, for the first time, Israeli authorities allowed the UN to deploy observers at the Kissufim crossing.
“Of course, this is a welcome development as it provides us with much-needed visibility into that segment of the pipeline,” Dujarric added.