UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell was injured in a car crash in Egypt while travelling to the Gaza Strip and has had to postpone a visit to Israel due to her injuries, a spokesperson said.

“While en route to Rafah, we believe the car hit or tried to avert a big pothole that made the car go over a deep ditch and flip on the side,” said Kurtis Cooper, adding that Russell “experienced significant bruising, and is in quite a bit of discomfort, but her injuries are not considered serious”.

He said Russell continued her visit to Gaza and then doctors determined she required further care, so she postponed the rest of her visit to the region, which included Israel.

Speaking to Al Jazeera earlier today, Russell said she had visited a hospital in Khan Younis and appealed for more fuel to be allowed into the enclave.

Israel has allowed some fuel in for use by UNRWA trucks, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said earlier today, but officials have said that is woefully inadequate.