US says “Israel” should allow UNRWA Commissioner-General into Gaza

The United States said Tuesday that “Israel” should allow the entry of Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), into the Gaza Strip - after he was denied entry earlier.

"Our belief is that they should be able to visit UNRWA's field of operation, including in Gaza,
and we're going to continue to work with the government of Israel to rapidly approve all
requested visas for UN and NGO workers," Vedant Patel, the US State Department spokesperson said - according to Agence France-Presse.

Patel did not comment on whether the United States had raised the issue with “Israel”.

Lazzarini said Monday in Cairo that he had intended to enter the border city of Rafah in south Gaza, but that he was denied entry by Israel.

"All regional governments need to do what is necessary to enable the humanitarian response and this of course includes allowing the free movement of international staff," Patel added.

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