Unusable Aid to Gaza Due to Water and Fuel Shortages, Says UN
Published on: October 24, 2023.
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UNRWA Raises Concerns Over Usability of Aid to Gaza Due to Water and Fuel Shortages
In recent news, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has expressed concerns about the usability of aid being sent to Gaza. The agency has reported that certain food items, such as lentils and rice, are not very usable due to the scarcity of fresh water and fuel required for cooking.
According to Tamira Alrifai, spokesperson for UNRWA, only 54 aid trucks have entered Gaza in the past few days, a significant decrease compared to the usual 500 truck deliveries during times of peace. She emphasized that while the donations, including rice and lentils, are very generous, they cannot be effectively utilized without access to water and gas for cooking.
Alrifai acknowledged the tremendous support from various countries, especially Arab countries, in providing donations flown into Egypt for delivery to Gaza through the Rafah crossing. However, she stressed the need for coordination with the Egyptian Red Crescent and for clear guidance from humanitarian groups on the ground.
To ensure more efficient aid distribution, Alrifai suggested that humanitarian organizations improve their coordination efforts and provide explicit lists of the most needed supplies. She also mentioned that U.N. negotiators are currently facing significant challenges in securing full access to provide the necessary aid to Gaza.
It is crucial for international organizations and governments to address the pressing issue of water and fuel shortages in Gaza to ensure that aid reaches the people who need it most.
Source: [Dunya News](https://dunyanews.tv)
