The United States has said that Israel should let the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA into Gaza, after he was denied entry, AFP reports.

“Our belief is that they should be able to visit UNRWA’s field of operation, including in Gaza, and we’re going to continue to work with the government of Israel to rapidly approve all requested visas for UN and NGO workers,” State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.

Patel did not comment on whether the United States has raised with Israel the denial of entry to Lazzarini.

“All regional governments need to do what is necessary to enable the humanitarian response and this of course includes allowing the free movement of international staff,” Patel said.