WHO Chief condemns Israeli ban on UNRWA operations
Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed grave concerns on Tuesday over the recent decision by the Israeli parliament to bar the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from conducting its humanitarian work in occupied territories.
Ghebreyesus, in a statement on social media platform X, described the move as "intolerable," emphasizing that it undermines Israel’s obligations under international law and threatens the lives and health of millions who rely on UNRWA services.
“This decision contravenes Israel’s responsibilities,” Ghebreyesus asserted, warning of the devastating impact on Palestinians dependent on UNRWA for essential health and life-saving support. He highlighted UNRWA’s critical role, calling it an "irreplaceable lifeline" for the Palestinian population, which it has served for over 70 years.
The WHO chief’s statement underscores international apprehension surrounding the Israeli decision, which has sparked criticism from global health and human rights organizations concerned about potential humanitarian repercussions. (ILKHA)