The United Nations says it has reopened food distribution centers in Gaza that closed last week following a violent protest at a UN compound, The Associated Press reported.

UN spokesman Chris Gunness says the agency's decision was based on "assurances ... received from different local parties" on the safety of its property and staff.

Gunness says the distribution centers reopened on Tuesday, April 9. He says the UN may close its facilities in the future if its employees are threatened again.

Dozens of people stormed the UN headquarters on Thursday to protest the suspension of cash assistance to thousands of Palestinian families.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency, known as UNRWA, assists Palestinian refugees and their descendants throughout the region. The agency says it provides food to 25,000 people a day in Gaza.