UN announces a reduction in the scope of its operations in Gaza

The United Nations announced a reduction in the scope of its operations in Gaza, according to Reuters.

"The United Nations has made the difficult decision to reduce its presence in Gaza in light of the denial of humanitarian aid," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the Secretary-General.

He explained, "An Israeli shell targeted our headquarters in Gaza, and Israel knew it was ours. We demand that those responsible be held accountable."

For its part, the International Committee of the Red Cross said its office in Rafah was damaged today by an explosive shell, impacting its ability to operate. It added, "The escalation of hostilities in Gaza over the past week has had serious humanitarian consequences."

In the same context, Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for the Civil Defense in the Gaza Strip, announced that contact had been lost with the Civil Defense and Palestinian Red Crescent crews while they were trying to rescue the injured in the Hashashin area, west of the Palestinian city of Rafah.