Cuts threaten UN food aid in Gaza

GAZA (IRIN) - UN-run relief and distribution centers in Gaza, which provide food to around 25,000 people a day, reopened this week after guarantees were given about the security of staff.

The UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) was “forced to close its distribution and relief offices last week due to ongoing demonstrations that affected its operations, a regrettable decision that hindered the agency’s ability to provide much-needed services and relief supplies to Palestine refugees in Gaza,” the agency said in a statement.

Several hundred Palestinian refugees have been protesting outside the UNRWA office in Gaza since early last week, following cuts to a cash assistance program.

Protests against the cuts turned violent on 4 April, when demonstrators stormed the office, leading to the closure of all relief and distribution centers in the Gaza Strip, which together provide assistance to more than 800,000 people.

“Based on the assurances UNRWA in Gaza received from different local [leaders], the agency will reopen its installations across the Gaza Strip,” said the statement.

“While UNRWA understands the frustration of the population, heightened by the tightened blockade on the Gaza Strip, and respects the right to peaceful demonstrations, UNRWA must ensure the safety and security of its staff,” it continued, adding that the centers would again be closed if staff or facilities faced further threats.

The thousands of refugees who depend on food aid had been worried by the closure of the centres. more

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