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U.N. says UNRWA continuing operations amid closure orders; humanitarian access and crossings remain constrained
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Summary
The U.N. spokesperson said UNRWA remains committed to delivering assistance in Gaza and the West Bank despite reported Israeli orders affecting UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem; partners are moving people and supplies along reopened routes while access constraints persist.
The United Nations said UNRWA is continuing to deliver assistance and services in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem despite reports that Israeli authorities ordered two UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem to close.
“There is very little news to report,” the U.N. spokesperson said about the two facilities in East Jerusalem, noting a small demonstration outside the headquarters that dispersed and that the U.N. flag continues to fly. The spokesperson said equipment, files and vehicles had been removed from the administrative headquarters as a precaution and that some international staff whose visas had expired left for Jordan.
The spokesperson clarified that health clinics and smaller neighborhood facilities run by UNRWA are functioning and that national staff are reporting to work. UNRWA has told the U.N. it has not received official communications from Israeli authorities explaining how any closures would be implemented, the spokesperson added.
On the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the U.N. and partners said a ceasefire had allowed movement: more than 462,000 people crossed from south to north since the opening of the Saladin and Al Rashid roads, according to U.N. partners cited by the spokesperson. Humanitarian agencies are providing water, high‑energy biscuits and medical care along the routes. The World Food Programme said it plans to set up additional distribution points in northern Gaza this week.
The spokesperson described ongoing efforts to restore essential services: fuel deliveries to bakeries and water systems, fuel for the South Gaza desalination plant and coordination with the Gaza electricity distribution company to repair power lines. UNICEF distributed water in parts of North Gaza and partners reported delivery of tens of thousands of liters of fuel to sustain water and sanitation operations.
When asked about crossings and the operational status of Rafah, the spokesperson said much of the aid was entering via Kerem Shalom and Erez and that agencies were using different crossings. UNRWA trucks were reported to continue entering through Kerem Shalom, and other agencies were using other access points.
The U.N. said it is urging that the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers be respected and that asylum rights be upheld. UNHCR is updating contingency plans with neighboring governments to support any new arrivals from recent displacements.
