Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner General, called the suspension of funds "shocking" in response to allegations against a small group of staff members. He stressed the unfairness of penalizing the entire agency and the vulnerable communities it serves for the alleged actions of individuals, especially during ongoing conflict and regional instability.
Lazzarini pleaded with the nine countries, including the U.S., UK, and Germany, to reverse their decisions before UNRWA is forced to cut essential humanitarian aid. He emphasized the critical role UNRWA plays in Gaza, where over two million people rely on its services for survival, including shelter for over a million displaced individuals and vital food and healthcare assistance.
He highlighted the agency's swift response to the allegations, terminating the implicated staff's contracts and seeking a transparent independent investigation. Additionally, Lazzarini noted the ongoing investigation by the UN's highest internal oversight body and the planned independent review by external experts to strengthen UNRWA's commitment to humanitarian principles.
Lazzarini further emphasized the importance of UNRWA's work in light of the recent International Court of Justice ruling requiring israel to facilitate humanitarian assistance in Gaza. He stated that international cooperation, particularly through UNRWA as the largest humanitarian actor in the region, is crucial to fulfilling this obligation.
The potential suspension of UNRWA's programs raises major concerns about the well-being of millions of Palestine refugees, particularly in the war-torn Gaza Strip, where threats of famine and ongoing displacement underscore the vital need for continued humanitarian support. (ILKHA)
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