GAZA — The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains critical and could deteriorate further, warns the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA).

Speaking to Euronews in Brussels, director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza Scott Anderson called on all parties to the conflict to respect the sanctity of safe places for civilians.

"There's nowhere safe in Gaza. Including the safe zones. And unfortunately, all parties to the conflict are not respecting the sanctity of sites that should be safe for civilians, including hospitals and schools," said Anderson.

He stressed that both UNRWA facilities and Palestinian schools have been targeted, appealing to the protection of these locations so civilians can find safety for themselves and their families.

Anderson also responded to past allegations that his agency was too lenient with Hamas, which the EU designates as a terrorist organization.

He underlined that UNRWA took swift action after discovering that some of its employees were linked to the group.

When asked if he could confidently say that UNRWA had removed all Hamas militants, Anderson was frank in his reply.

"No, I don't think anybody can say anything with certainty about their workforce anywhere. We have over 13,000 people," he said.

"We do take neutrality very seriously, as shown by the (UNWRA) commissioner general's very swift action. But no, I can't with certainty say that's done."

Anderson also reiterated that they don't have any evidence of employing Hamas members, and if they did, the necessary actions would have already been taken. — Euronews