US calls on Israel to allow the UNRWA Commissioner to enter the Gaza Strip

The United States called on Israel to allow the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, to enter the Gaza Strip.

The day before Monday, the occupation authorities prevented Lazzarini from entering the Gaza Strip.

The United States stressed the need to enable Lazzarini and his team to visit the Strip.

US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said, "We believe they should be able to visit UNRWA's field of work, including Gaza, and we will continue to work with the government of Israel to quickly approve all visas requested by United Nations and non-governmental organization workers."

He added, "All regional governments must do what is necessary to activate the humanitarian response, and this includes, of course, allowing freedom of movement for international staff."