GAZA, February 7, 2009 (WAFA)- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) suspended, Friday, all imports of desperately needed aid after Hamas militias confiscated hundreds of tons of food, the second such seizure in three days, the UN news service reported.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon demanded that Hamas militias immediately return the food to the UNRWA, which said its suspension would remain in force until the Agency is given credible assurances from Hamas militias that these thefts will not be repeated.
Mr. Ban also called on the militias to refrain from interference with the provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, where a three-week Israeli offensive, killed more than 1,300 Palestinians, injured at least 5,300, 34% of them children, destroyed or damaged 21,000 homes, and caused widespread damage to infrastructure.
He reiterated the UN Security Council calls for the unimpeded provision and distribution of humanitarian aid, including food, fuel and medical treatment, throughout
The seizures followed repeated UNRWA warnings that not nearly enough food and other vital supplies were getting through because of
