Israeli restrictions on staff movements in Gaza draw UN agency's protests

The main United Nations agency providing assistance to Palestinian refugees today protested to Israel following new restrictions imposed on UN staff moving in and out of the Gaza Strip.

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said the "new and constantly changing" restrictions have in effect barred UN international staff from crossing into and out of Gaza.

Israel has asked UN international staff holding valid UN passports to cross on foot through the Palestinian labourers' terminal, a form of travel that exposes personnel to considerable risk and is prohibited under current UN security rules, UNRWA said.

The Agency's Commissioner-General, Peter Hansen, said that the freedom of movement and safety of UNRWA staff "need to be respected in full."