"Safeguarding UNRWA's mandate and operations is required under international law; it is vital to the survival of millions of Palestinians; and it is essential for a political solution, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini told the UN General Assembly Fourth Committee on Thursday, citing recent findings by the UN Commission of Inquiry and rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) obligating Israel to lift restrictions on the agency."
"severe funding shortfalls were threatening UNRWA's essential services, urging donor nations for more money, so that it could continue its operations in Gaza despite funding cuts by the United States. We run week by week, month by month. I know that as of today, we will be able to process our salaries in November, but have no idea if or no visibility if we will be able to process our salaries in December, said Lazzarini."
"Israel has barred UNRWA from operating on its soil after baselessly accusing some of its employees of participating in the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which triggered the war. Israel has repeatedly accused UNRWA employees of involvement in the October 7 attack without providing proof. Following those allegations, the US historically the agency's biggest donor suspended its support."
A US-brokered October ceasefire required the passage of humanitarian aid, but Israel has allowed only a fraction of needed aid into Gaza. UNRWA has accused Israel of deliberately crippling its operations and blocking vital aid amid a more than two-year genocidal war, as Palestinians face heavy rains and winter with minimal shelter and relief. International law requires safeguarding UNRWA's mandate and operations; the agency is vital to the survival of millions and essential to any political solution. UN findings and ICJ rulings obligate Israel to lift restrictions. Severe funding shortfalls threaten UNRWA services after key donors suspended support, forcing repatriation of international staff and reduced operations.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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