The UN chief hopes that countries will resume funding for UNRWA

2024-03-25 18:30:13, Kosova & Bota CNA

The UN chief hopes that countries will resume funding for UNRWA

Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Monday for the resumption of financial aid to the Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, stressing its essential role in the Gaza Strip. Many countries suspended funding to UNRWA following allegations that some of the agency's employees were involved in Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7.

Israel's war against Hamas has forced 80% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million from their homes. United Nations officials say a quarter of the population is starving as aid has been restricted in the Gaza Strip.

The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, which employs about 13,000 people in Gaza, is the main provider of food and shelter, but is on the brink of financial bankruptcy.

"I deeply regret the decision that was taken to stop funding UNRWA. I have high hopes that the decision will change, especially after the publication of reports drawn up by independent organizations regarding the agency's investigation and review of Palestinian refugees", said the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, during a press conference in Jordan .

Israel, whose claims are detailed in a document obtained by the Associated Press news agency, has long held a position against UNRWA. Israel has accused him of tolerating or even collaborating with Hamas and prolonging the 76-year-old Palestinian refugee crisis.

"Obviously there are risks of infiltration when operating in such difficult environments as Gaza. We are fully committed to strengthening UNRWA, to ensure that it reflects the values ??of the UN ," said Mr. Guterres.

The Israeli government has accused Hamas and other militant groups of embezzling aid for refugees and using UN facilities for military purposes.

UNRWA denies the allegations and says it has taken swift action against staff accused of participating in the Hamas attack on Israel.

The United States and other major donors, which together provided more than half of the agency's budget for Palestinian refugees in 2022, cut off funding.

Some of the 16 countries that temporarily suspended funding for UNRWA have already resumed funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees./ VOA