GAZA, March 11, 2009 (WAFA) – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, Tuesday, that for Gaza crossing to remain open, an immediate halt of violence was needed, to recover the economy.

Sources from the UN Humanitarian Coordinator Office said that the overall humanitarian situation in Gaza is still unchanged. Livestock, vehicles and construction materials are not allowed to enter the area, in addition to two shipments of UN Children’s Fund sent to 50 schools in Gaza.

Only one-quarter of cooking gas needs are being met, and just over two thirds of the industrial gas needed to operate the power plant are being allowed in. This comes in top of almost $10 million made available by UN Development Program (UNDP).

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) will begin distributing cash aid to refugee families whose homes were destroyed or damaged in the latest offensive. The funds are intended to support them until construction materials are allowed in and repairs can proceed. In the meantime, UNICEF has been closing school windows using nylon sheets.