UN to resume aid distribution in Gaza

The UN will resume "as soon as possible" distribution of humanitarian supplies to the war-stricken people of Gaza, after it received assurances from Israel over the safety for workers of the world body. The UN will resume suspended aid distribution for thousands of Palestinians "as soon as possible" as we have received credible security assurances from "the very highest levels" in Israel, the UN said in a statement.

The operations were suspended Wednesday following an Israeli attack that killed a UN contract driver and injured a second despite receiving Israeli clearance. "The UN now received credible assurances that security of UN personnel, installations and humanitarian operations would be fully respected, including undertakings of improved liaison and more effective internal coordination within the Israeli Defence Forces," the UN said.

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), had suspended food delivery to 750,000 Palestinians following the death of a UN truck driver transporting supplies. "It's very good news we've received these assurances," UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes told a briefing.

Speaking via video link from Gaza, UNRWA Director of Operations John Ging said it was a "horrendous decision" he had had to make to suspend delivery operations when hundreds of thousands of Gazans are in dire need of food, water and other essentials. But he had to balance it with the safety of UN workers.

Over 800 have died in the offensive that entered its 14th day with both Tel Aviv and Hamas rejecting the UN Security Council resolution seeking immediate ceasefire.