The UN Palestinian relief agency has said that if its humanitarian work in Gaza is forced to halt, it would put a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas at risk, Reuters reports.

“If UNRWA is not allowed to continue to bring and distribute supplies, then the fate of this very fragile ceasefire is going to be at risk and is going to be in jeopardy,” Juliette Touma, director of communications of UNRWA, told a Geneva press briefing.

For now, its work in Gaza and elsewhere continues despite an Israeli ban that was due to take effect on January 30, she added.

However, she said that its Palestinian staff located in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are facing difficulties, citing examples of stone-throwing and hold-ups at checkpoints.

“They face an exceptionally hostile environment as a fierce disinformation campaign against UNRWA continues,” she said.