Amidst dangerous protests last week, the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) shut down its' food distribution centers in Gaza.
The protests were in response to the UNRWA shutting down financial aid to the area due to deficit cuts.
The re-opening of food distribution services was big news for people who lived in the area since the UNRWA is responsible for feeding half of the Gaza population, which is roughly 800,000 people out of the 1.7 million total population.
Fox News now reports that those centers have officially reopened, although they could shut down once again if protests persist.
"Assurances...received from different local parties," on the safety of its' staff and property led to the reopening of the food distribution centers, said UN spokesman Chris Gunness, according to BBC News. "UNRWA was forced to close its distribution and relief offices last week due to ongoing demonstrations that affected its operations, a regrettable decision that hindered the agency's ability to provide much needed services and relief supplies to Palestine refugees in Gaza."
A spokesman for Hamas in Gaza, Sami Abu Suhri, called the shutdowns "unjustified" last week and even pleaded with the UN to rethink their decision.
The UNRWA also operates schools and medical facilities for the Palestinian refugees living in the area, although much of the aid has had to be suspended due to budget cuts.
"While UNRWA understands the frustration of the population, heightened by the tightened blockade on the Gaza Strip, and respects the right to peaceful demonstrations, UNRWA must ensure the safety and security of its staff."
Currently, 25,000 people per day rely on the food services of the UN.
They were tremendously affected since both Israel and Egypt have cut off their borders to Gaza and the refugees.
