New York: United Nations has called on Israel to immediately resume the distribution of sufficient fuel to the Gaza Strip to allow Palestinians there to go about their normal daily lives.

"The current situation is a threat to the health and well-being of the population of the Gaza Strip, 56 per cent of whom are children," a joint statement signed by eight UN bodies said.

"The work of the United Nations organisations in Gaza has been severely hampered affecting schools, health facilities, and food distribution," it said.

Israel ceased all fuel supplies to Gaza after an attack on a fuel terminal at Nahal Oz in southern Israel by Palestinian militants, which was condemned by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as an act of terrorism.

The various UN organisations called for a cessation of all acts of violence, including the Nahal Oz attack.

The statement said Israel's announcement that it would resume deliveries to Gaza's power plant was a positive, but insufficient to address severe fuel shortages for transport and generators.

"The current absence of fuel at petrol stations has meant that normal transportation has ceased," the agencies said. "Many students have been unable to get to school, and many health professionals have been unable to get to hospitals and clinics. There have been difficulties transporting essential items such as food throughout Gaza."

The signatories include the UN Special Coordinator's Office, UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, World Food Programme, WHO, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, UN Population Fund, UN Development Programme and UN Children's Fund.
Source : PTI