United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon called Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Tuesday night to express concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He asked Olmert to allow supplies and UN personnel into Gaza.
Gaza crossings have been closed over the past several days due to rocket attacks on the western Negev and warnings of planned terrorist attacks on the crossings. Some humanitarian aid has been allowed through to Gaza. Israeli defense officials and Palestinian Authority officials in Ramallah have charged Hamas with faking a humanitarian crisis, and say Gaza has food, fuel and medicine despite Hamas' claims to the contrary.