BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Figures released by UNRWA on Thursday reveal that the organization is facing severe shortages in construction materials needed for ongoing projects in the Gaza Strip.

"We been allowed to take in to Gaza a tiny fraction of the construction materials needed," UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness said.

Around 3,291 trucks have been allowed into the Gaza Strip, accounting for under four percent of the overall $660 million UNRWA construction plan to take place over the next three years.

"The 3,921 trucks represent just 16 percent of the materials we need for the projects approved so far by the Israeli authorities. To complete these projects we need to get in to Gaza 17,383 trucks.

"At this rate, it will take us a year to get in the supplies for our 73 projects approved so far by the Israel authorities. This is woefully inadequate, especially for people who have been waiting a decade to have their homes rebuilt."

"The Secretary General and others have described the general situation as unsustainable. It is unsustainable and the blockade against imports and exports has to end," Gunness added.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has called the blockade 'a collective punishment in clear violation of international humanitarian law' and urged the international community 'to ensure that repeated appeals by States and international organizations to lift the closure are finally heeded.'

"We endorse those calls for accountability," Gunness concluded.