GENEVA, Switzerland: Around 170,000 tonnes of relief supplies are prepared and waiting to be delivered to the Gaza Strip, a spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in Geneva today, after the announcement of an initial deal to end the fighting in Gaza, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
As soon as the Israeli authorities who control access to the war zone give the green light, these supplies can be brought to people in need, he said.
The supplies include food, medicine, tents and other urgently needed aid.
Earlier this week, OCHA said Israeli authorities have either not approved or blocked a total of 45 per cent of its registered aid convoys since the war began in October 2023.
In order to provide for the civilian population, OCHA needs open border crossings, guarantees that aid workers and those in need can move safely, visas for foreign personnel and the unrestricted entry of relief supplies, the spokesman said.
He also said the private sector in the Gaza Strip must be revived as quickly as possible.
Israel and Hamas on Wednesday agreed to the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.
In addition to the return of hostages and release of Palestinian prisoners, Hamas said the agreement foresees an end to the war, Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the sealed-off territory. – BERNAMA-dpa
