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The UN will reduce its Gaza presence after an Israeli tank strike killed a staffer, while Palestinians face worsening shortages amid ongoing bombardment and aid cuts.
Palestinians in northern Gaza queued at a UN distribution center on Tuesday, seeking aid as the world body announced a reduced presence in the besieged enclave. The decision follows an Israeli tank strike last week on a UN guesthouse, which killed one staffer and wounded five others.
UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said about a third of its 100 international staff in Gaza would be temporarily withdrawn due to escalating danger. Israel has denied responsibility for the March 19 attack, despite UN claims that an Israeli tank caused the explosion.
At the UNRWA-run center in Jabaliya Refugee Camp, families collected aid boxes they say are insufficient. “If it weren’t for UNRWA, we wouldn’t be able to eat,” said Shorouq Shamlakh, a mother of three.
