UNRWA Chief Calls for Independent Probe into Alleged Israeli Attacks on Agency; 182 Staff Members Killed, 160 Shelters Damaged
UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, called for an independent investigation into alleged killings and detentions of its staff, as well as damage to its premises in Gaza, once the Israel-Hamas conflict ends.
The agency accused Israel of targeting UNRWA facilities during the conflict, resulting in the deaths of 182 UNRWA staff and the destruction of over 160 shelters, leading to hundreds of deaths.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini urged UN member states to support an investigation to prevent such disregard of UN properties from becoming a new standard in the future.
UNRWA, the United Nations agency providing humanitarian aid in Gaza, accused of having ties with Hamas by Israel's diplomatic mission.
Israel blocked UNRWA's commissioner from entering Gaza, and Israel alleges that 19 of UNRWA's staff members were involved in Hamas attacks that killed over 1,200 people in October.
Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu has called for UNRWA's closure, claiming it perpetuates the Palestinian refugee issue.
The UNRWA agency's neutrality was reviewed, and Israel's accusations of terrorist group membership among UNRWA staff were not supported by evidence, according to the review.
Most countries have resumed funding, but the US, Britain, Austria, and Switzerland have not.
The Swiss parliament's foreign affairs committee voted to partially release funds for humanitarian purposes, but further approval is needed.
Approximately $267 million in total remains blocked based on countries' prior commitments.
The UNRWA agency has secured $115 million in private funding.
An investigation into allegations against UNRWA staff members is ongoing.
Humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza have improved in April, but there is still not enough to prevent famine.
Efforts are being made to reverse the trend of hunger, particularly in the northern part of Gaza.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini urged UN member states to support an investigation to prevent such disregard of UN properties from becoming a new standard in the future.
UNRWA, the United Nations agency providing humanitarian aid in Gaza, accused of having ties with Hamas by Israel's diplomatic mission.
Israel blocked UNRWA's commissioner from entering Gaza, and Israel alleges that 19 of UNRWA's staff members were involved in Hamas attacks that killed over 1,200 people in October.
Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu has called for UNRWA's closure, claiming it perpetuates the Palestinian refugee issue.
The UNRWA agency's neutrality was reviewed, and Israel's accusations of terrorist group membership among UNRWA staff were not supported by evidence, according to the review.
Most countries have resumed funding, but the US, Britain, Austria, and Switzerland have not.
The Swiss parliament's foreign affairs committee voted to partially release funds for humanitarian purposes, but further approval is needed.
Approximately $267 million in total remains blocked based on countries' prior commitments.
The UNRWA agency has secured $115 million in private funding.
An investigation into allegations against UNRWA staff members is ongoing.
Humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza have improved in April, but there is still not enough to prevent famine.
Efforts are being made to reverse the trend of hunger, particularly in the northern part of Gaza.
Translation:
Translated by AI
