In a statement released here, the emergency coordinator also unveiled a ten-point plan that includes facilitating aid agencies’ efforts to attract a steady stream of convoys with safe supplies and opening additional border crossings for their entry, including the Kerem Pass, Shalom, between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
Griffiths called for support for access to fuel in sufficient quantities to provide essential services, as well as for the unhindered delivery of aid by humanitarian organizations.
He also called for increasing the number of safe shelters for displaced people in schools and other public facilities in the enclave and ensuring that these places remain safe from hostilities.
At the same time, he called for support for a better humanitarian notification mechanism that would help protect civilians, infrastructure and humanitarian access, as well as establish aid distribution centers for the population as needed.
The plan recognizes the need for movement to safer areas and the voluntary return of Palestinians to their homes.
Likewise, it insists on the goal of completing the humanitarian financing assistance initiated by the United Nations, which now stands at $1.2 billion, and on a humanitarian ceasefire for the resumption of essential services and the resumption of trade.
As the carnage in Gaza reaches new levels of horror every day, the world continues to watch in shock as hospitals are attacked, premature babies die and an entire population is deprived of basic survival resources, lamented the High Representative.
The Deputy Secretary-General called on the parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, accept a ceasefire agreement and stop fighting.
Such a cessation of hostilities is also crucial to facilitate the delivery of aid, enable the release of hostages and provide calm to civilians, he added.
The world must act before it is too late, he said.
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