UN officials tell Israel that aid to Gaza will be halted unless security is improved

SAMY MAGDY and ELLEN KNICKMEYER, Associated Press

5 mins ago

FILE – People speak during a Security Council meeting at United Nations headquarters about the war in Gaza, May 29, 2024. The U.N. is threatening to halt humanitarian operations in Gaza if Israel does not do more to improve security, U.N. officials say. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senior U.N. officials have told Israel they will halt aid efforts in the Gaza Strip unless urgent steps are taken to better protect humanitarian workers, two U.N. officials say.

A UN letter to senior Israeli officials this month said Israel must, among other things, allow UN staff direct communication with Israeli ground forces in the Gaza Strip, the officials said.

They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing negotiations with Israeli officials. The UN officials say there has been no final decision on suspending operations in Gaza and talks with the Israelis are ongoing.

The United Nations World Food Programme has already suspended aid deliveries from a US-built pier in Gaza due to security concerns.

Israeli military officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.