The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is facing a potential halt in all activities in the Gaza Strip in the coming weeks due to the suspension of funding, according to the agency's Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini. In a statement on his social media account, Lazzarini expressed regret over the decision to suspend funding, emphasizing the agency's reliance on support to continue its humanitarian response for two million people in Gaza and Palestinian refugees in the region.
The funding suspension comes after the United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, Australia, Finland, and the Netherlands decided to pause financial support to UNRWA. This decision followed Israel's accusations against several UNRWA employees, suspecting their involvement in the October 7 attack on Israel last year.
Lazzarini responded to the accusations, expressing shock and asserting that the agency promptly dismissed the employees in question while initiating an immediate investigation. He mentioned that UNRWA is implementing structural reforms to strengthen the commitment of its staff to humanitarian principles, including neutrality, with independent experts overseeing and enhancing these efforts.
Established in 1949 by the United Nations General Assembly, UNRWA is mandated to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees until a just and lasting solution to their situation is achieved. In response to Israel's accusations, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, condemned the allegations, describing them as another malicious act in line with Israel's inhumane actions against Palestinians. The situation underscores the challenges faced by UNRWA and the potential impact on its crucial humanitarian work in the region.
(With Agency Inputs)
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