Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at a regular press conference in New York that operations had resumed in Tulkarm and were continuing in Jenin.
“The United Nations has recorded more than two dozen deaths in the past week, including children,” he said.
He added that on Tuesday, several organizations mobilized by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) was scheduled to conduct an assessment in Jenin but was denied access by Israeli authorities.
“OCHA warns that access constraints are affecting the ability to provide a meaningful humanitarian response,” he said, noting that the movement of ambulances and medical teams has been hampered and delayed since the start of the week-long operation.
UN special envoy visits Gaza
Meanwhile, Tor Wennesland, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, visited Gaza on Monday.
He described The extent of the devastation is “horrific”, and the humanitarian needs are “immense and overwhelming”.
“I strongly condemn the terrible loss of civilian life in Gaza,” he said, condemning the killing of six hostages in Gaza by Palestinian armed groups.
“Every day that passes, more lives are at risk,” he said. “I reiterate my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and urge all parties to reach an agreement that will bring about the immediate release of all hostages and a humanitarian ceasefire.”
During his time in the Gaza Strip, Mr. Wennesland also met with heads and staff of United Nations agencies and visited a polio vaccination center.
