UN: Israel must allow full access for aid, supplies to rehabilitate Gaza

Addressing the same council session before it adjourned for consultations, a senior UN refugee official in the region cited the apparent systematic destruction of schools, universities, residential buildings, factories, shops and farms. "Every Gazan projects a sense of having stared death in the face," UNRWA Commissioner General Karen Abu Zayd said.

"There is rage against the attackers for often failing top distinguish between military targets and civilians and there is also resentment against the international community for having allowed first the siege and then the war to go on for so long," she added, calling for political action to end the occupation and peacefully resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Meanwhile, the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) reported that all crossings were closed Tuesday as a result of an Israeli soldier being killed.

For its part, the UN Development Program (UNDP) is currently assessing damage and preparing a plan for reconstruction, focusing on rubble removal, agriculture, water and sanitation, while the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is providing essential educational equipment and materials to help restore a sense of normalcy for youngsters. In northern Gaza, UNICEF tents are serving as temporary learning spaces for girls.

Editor:Li Shouen