UN official accuses Israel of weaponising aid to Gaza
Unrwa is warning of a renewed hunger crisis if aid supplies don't resume
Speaking in Geneva, Philippe Lazzarini warned of a renewed hunger crisis if aid supplies did not resume.
Israel stopped the entry of all aid at the beginning of the month, accusing Hamas of rejecting a US proposal to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire.
It also cut off electricity over the weekend - a move the UK and Germany have condemned - with Energy Minister Eli Cohen saying the move aimed to "bring back all the hostages and ensure that Hamas is no longer in Gaza the day after [the war]."
When the truce began, aid supplies increased tenfold, easing food shortages and restoring some health services.
Now those supplies have been blocked and electricity to a major water desalination plant has been cut.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres's spokesman said this would substantially reduce the availability of drinking water in Gaza.
"The Secretary-General is very concerned about Israel's decision to limit the electricity supply going into Gaza. This latest decision will substantially reduce the availability of drinking water in the Gaza Strip," said Stephane Dujarric.
"Starting today, the facility is set to run on backup generators, which will reduce water production capacity. Restoring this connection is vital for tens of thousands of families and children." The Israeli government has further said it has not ruled out cutting off water supplies.
FULL ARTICLE AT: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8mz8d0p35o
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