Protecting Gaza Civilians Is Pressing Humanitarian Priority: UNRWANew York, 25 Feb 2026 (ONA) — The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) affirmed that protecting civilians in the Gaza Strip is a pressing humanitarian priority given the deteriorating conditions there, stressing the need to ensure safe and sustained access for humanitarian aid to the population. The UN agency explained that enabling humanitarian workers and protecting humanitarian facilities and infrastructure is essential for the continued provision of vital services, including primary healthcare, education, emergency relief, and food assistance to the most vulnerable families. It noted that it continues its operations in the Gaza Strip despite the significant challenges, based on its UN mandate to ensure that aid reaches hundreds of thousands of refugees who rely primarily on its services. The UN agency called for a safe environment that allows humanitarian teams to carry out their duties without hindrance, thus ensuring the protection of civilians and the continued flow of life-saving humanitarian assistance to all those in need in the Gaza Strip.— Ends/Khalid