The head of the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees has hailed UNRWA staff as they continue to work despite an Israeli ban on their operations coming into force, according to Al Jazeera.

In a post on social media, Philippe Lazzarini said: “I salute the commitment of UNRWA staff”.

“We remain committed to upholding the humanitarian principles and fulfil our mandate,” Lazzarini said, noting that nearly 500,000 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, continue to access healthcare provided by UNRWA.

Since the start of the ceasefire in Gaza, UNRWA has ensured that humanitarian food supplies entering the territory have reached more than 600,000 people, he said.

“UNRWA must be allowed to do its work until Palestinian institutions are empowered and capable within a Palestine State,” he added.