Amid reports of fresh violence, UN envoy urges Gaza parties to reaffirm commitment to ceasefire
1 August 2014 – The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process has expressed deep concern about the serious consequences that could arise following the violation by parties to the Gaza conflict of a humanitarian ceasefire that was set to take affect earlier this morning but quickly fell apart.
In a statement issued in Jerusalem, Robert Serry said he was informed by the Israeli authorities of a serious incident this morning after the start of the humanitarian ceasefire at 8 am, involving a tunnel behind IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) lines in the Rafah area of the Gaza Strip. Two soldiers Israeli were reportedly killed, as well as a number of Palestinians.
"The United Nations is not in a position to independently confirm these reports. However, if corroborated, this would constitute a serious violation of the humanitarian ceasefire in place since 8 am this morning by Gazan militant factions, which should be condemned in the strongest terms," he said.
Mr. Serry urged the Palestinian parties to last night's understanding to urgently reaffirm their commitment to the humanitarian ceasefire and pledged to continue his efforts to contain the violence and the risk of renewed escalation.
On Thursday, the UN reported that all parties had agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire in conflict in the Gaza Strip, brokered by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and United States Secretary of State John Kerry. A halt in fighting would allow for the immediate and necessary delivery of aid to civilians deeply affected by the recent violence.
According to the United Nations, nearly four weeks of conflict have left more than 1,300 Palestinians dead and 6,000 injured. Israel has faced rocket fire, and hostilities have resulted in the deaths of 3 civilians and 56 soldiers, with dozens injured.
Meanwhile, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, James W. Rawley, along with the Minister of Social Affairs and Agriculture of the State of Palestine, Shawqi Issa, have appealed for $369 million to meet urgent needs in Gaza.
"Ongoing hostilities in Gaza, including bombardment and combat in heavily populated areas, have severely limited the ability of medical staff to save lives, of aid workers to meet needs, or for technicians to repair damage to infrastructure vital to the population. This must stop," Mr. Rawley urged.
The Gaza Crisis Appeal focuses on supporting access to health and water as well as catering for the needs of the displaced people in Gaza, including food assistance, blankets and mattresses as well as psychosocial support.
"A strong mobilization of resources is required to meet the most urgent needs, particularly those stemming from the massive number of displaced persons and those arising from wide-scale damage to infrastructure," said Mr. Rawley.
"But resources will mean little if the blockade on Gaza and the denial of Palestinian rights continue. As a first step, all humanitarian agencies should receive safe passage or safe access."
The Appeal is the first step of humanitarian community to meet the most urgent needs that have arisen as a result of the current emergency in Gaza. The immediate focus is delivering life-saving supplies to the most vulnerable namely displaced persons, the injured, the elderly, children, women, and farmers and fishermen who have lost their livelihoods.
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