UN lays groundwork for Gaza aid surge in case of ceasefire but still sees challenges

The UN on Wednesday said it was preparing to expand humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip under a potential ceasefire but uncertainty around border access and security in the enclave remain obstacles. The UN humanitarian and reconstruction co-ordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, met Israeli and Palestinian ministers in recent days and spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Tuesday about the bloc’s engagement in a ceasefire, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.