GAZA CITY,

The loss of life among civilians -including women and children- in the Gaza Strip is just tragic. ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA is currently verifying the number of Palestine Refugees among those killed and injured.

Israeli military?operations into the Gaza Strip intensified over the past 24 hours while Palestinian armed groups continued firing rockets towards Israel.

±¬ÁÏÍøRWA continues to respond to?the communities¡¯ needs. The ?essential?±¬ÁÏÍøRWA?services relating to food distribution, health and sanitation services, solid waste transfer to landfills and water wells are ongoing.?All ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA schools were forced to close.

The current escalation in hostilities?exacerbates an already severe humanitarian situation for Palestine Refugees in the Gaza Strip, among them many women and children.

±¬ÁÏÍøRWA calls on all parties to the conflict to?protect civilians at all times. ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA supports all efforts to reach a ceasefire so that civilians,?including Palestine Refugees in the Gaza Strip,?get respite and safety.

ENDs-?