In a video statement, he said he expected to hear good news later on Monday regarding the delivery of aid to the blockaded and besieged Palestinian enclave through the Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt.
“We need access to help. There are detailed discussions with the Israelis, the Egyptians and others,” Mr Griffiths said. This process, according to him, was greatly facilitated by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who organized a diplomatic trip to the countries of the region, including Israel.
“I hope to hear good news this morning that aid will reach the <a href="https://www.archyde.com/israel-hits-hamas-targets-in-gaza-after-shells-fired-from-the-strip/" title="Israel hits Hamas targets in Gaza after shells fired from the strip”>Gaza Strip through Rafah, one of the border crossings, but a very important one, for the million people who have moved to the south and those who were already living there,” the UN spokesman added.
The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip is the only entry to and exit from the coastal enclave that is not controlled by Israel.
It has been closed since last Tuesday, when Israel carried out three strikes in less than a day that damaged the terminal on the Palestinian side.
“Tomorrow I will go to the region myself to try to help with the negotiations, to bear witness and to express solidarity with the extraordinary courage of the many thousands of humanitarian workers who have not given up helping people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank,” Mr Griffiths said.
The Palestinian militant group “Hamas” unexpectedly attacked Israel on October 7, invading its territory and carrying out rocket attacks. Israel carried out retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip.
More than 1.4 thousand people died in Israel. people, including civilians. Israeli strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip claimed more than 2,700 lives. lives.
Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, has been involved in several wars with Israel since taking over the enclave in 2007. The group has been recognized as a terrorist by Israel, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and some other countries.
Hamas is supported by Iran, financing the purchase of weapons, supplying them and providing military training. Hamas has a political office in Qatar, where some of its leaders are based.
2.3 million people live in the Gaza Strip. people, but Israel, with the help of Egypt, has imposed a blockade on the territory since 2007 – it restricted the import of goods to and from the territory by water, sea or air, as well as the ability of the Palestinians themselves to leave the territory, except for a few tens of thousands of workers.
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#humanitarian #chief #travel #Middle #East #negotiate #aid #Gaza #Strip
**Interview with Mr. Griffiths, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Middle East**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Griffiths. Recent developments suggest that the situation at the Rafah crossing could result in some positive news for humanitarian aid in Gaza. Can you give us an update on what’s happening?
**Mr. Griffiths:** Thank you for having me. Yes, we are in the midst of crucial discussions regarding the delivery of aid through the Rafah crossing, which is critical for the more than a million people in Gaza, especially those who have been displaced to the south. We’ve been pushing for access to essential supplies, and I hope to receive good news on that front soon.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned that the discussions involve multiple parties, including Israel and Egypt. How significant is the role of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in these negotiations?
**Mr. Griffiths:** Secretary Blinken’s involvement is very significant. His diplomatic trip to the region has facilitated open lines of communication between all parties involved, which is crucial in these tense circumstances. It’s essential that we have collaborative efforts to ensure that aid reaches those in dire need.
**Interviewer:** The Rafah crossing has been closed for several days now due to Israeli airstrikes damaging the terminal. What are the ongoing efforts to reopen this vital route for aid delivery?
**Mr. Griffiths:** We’re actively negotiating to reopen the Rafah crossing as soon as possible. I plan to visit the region myself soon to not only assist with these negotiations but also to stand in solidarity with the humanitarian workers on the ground who are risking their lives to help others. Their courage and resilience are truly remarkable.
**Interviewer:** As the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, how can the international community better support those affected?
**Mr. Griffiths:** The international community must maintain pressure on all parties to allow unobstructed humanitarian access. We need sustained funding for aid efforts, and we must continue to advocate for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers. It’s imperative that everyone involved understands the urgency and importance of providing assistance to those who are suffering.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Griffiths, for your insights and the important work you’re doing in these challenging circumstances.
**Mr. Griffiths:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope we can improve the situation in Gaza together.
