New York, 19 April 2024 (TDI): The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA’s) Director General (DG) briefed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as Gaza humanitarian crisis worsens.
“This is a time of seismic change in the Middle East. At the heart of this region, UNRWA is a stabilizing force,” he mentioned in opening remarks.
“In Gaza, the Agency is the backbone of humanitarian operation coordinating and providing life saving assistance.”
“Beyond Gaza, it has trumpet human development for Palestinian refugees for decades across the region.”
The UNRWA DG alarmed that “today! An insidious campaign to end UNRWA’s operations is on the way.”
He remarked that “in this context the Council is asked to consider the existential challenges confronting the Agency.”
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Situation in Gaza
“Six months of relentless bombardment and merciless siege have transformed Gaza beyond recognition,” he explained.
Furthermore, he narrated the destruction to infrastructure and loss of human life that has crippled the entire Strip, in detail.
“Across Gaza, a man-made famine is tightening its grip,” he lamented.
“Across the border, food and clean border wait. But UNRWA is denied permission to deliver this aid and save lives.”
Additionally, “this outrage is occurring despite consecutive orders by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to increase the flow of aid into Gaza which can be done if there is sufficient political will.”
“You have the power to make a difference,” Director General UNRWA underlined.
Insidious campaign to end UNRWA
He also emphasized that Israeli government has repeatedly denied the requests by UNRWA of aid delivery to the north and other areas despite such dire circumstances.
“Worse, UNRWA premises and staff have been targeted since the beginning of the war.”
Later, he explained that UNRWA headquarter has been used by the combatants for their operations.
“Our Headquarter has been occupied militarily and allegations emerged concerning the existence of tunnels under our premises.”
“UNRWA persons detained by Israeli Security Forces have shared harrowing accounts of mistreatment and torture in detention,” he further narrated.
Conclusively, “we demand an independent investigation and accountability for the blatant disregard for the protected statute of the humanitarian workers, operation and facilities under international law.”
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