United Nations states Israel must address civilian needs in Gaza despite UNRWA ban

October 30, 2024 TruthUSA

The United Nations stated that Israel must fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure the needs of the Gaza population are met.

On Tuesday, the United Nations highlighted that if Israel implements a ban on the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the government must provide for the needs of Gaza civilians as there is no alternative to the agency.

Stephane Dujarric, a United Nations spokesperson, made this declaration following the Israeli parliament’s approval on Oct. 28 to enact two laws banning UNRWA from operating in Israel and cutting ties with the agency.

These laws, set to take effect in 90 days, restrict Israeli officials from engaging with UNRWA and strip the agency’s staff of legal protections. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned that if enforced, these laws would likely hinder UNRWA’s crucial work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, as mandated by the UN General Assembly.

Several countries, including the United States and the European Union, have criticized Israel’s decision to pass these laws. The U.S. State Department expressed deep concerns and urged Israel not to proceed, while the EU called for a reconsideration of the decision.

Dujarric emphasized that Israel is bound by international humanitarian law to ensure that the needs of the Gaza population are met, or else facilitate the activities of UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies for that purpose.

“Should UNRWA cease to operate, which we view as the only viable option, Israel would need to step in to meet those needs or risk violating international law,” stated Dujarric.

Dujarric disclosed that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently communicated his concerns about the laws to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He reiterated that the laws could severely impact Gaza’s humanitarian situation if enforced.

Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, cautioned that the Knesset’s decision sets a dangerous precedent that contradicts the U.N. Charter and violates Israel’s international law obligations.

Lazzarini posted on a social media platform on Oct. 28, stating that these bills would worsen the suffering of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where residents have endured extreme hardships for over a year.

In response to Lazzarini, Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon criticized UNRWA for complicity in Hamas activities, citing alleged ties between some UNRWA employees and Hamas.

Danon emphasized that Israel cannot overlook UNRWA’s role in supporting terrorism and stated that Israel will not allow its people’s suffering to be exploited under the guise of aid.

An investigation was launched by the U.N. after Israel accused 12 UNRWA staff members of involvement in Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Following the findings, 10 staff members were let go, and two were confirmed deceased.

Israel reported seven additional cases to the U.N. in subsequent months, leading to the termination of nine more UNRWA employees linked to Hamas attacks, as confirmed by the U.N. Office of Oversight Services in August.

UNRWA operates numerous facilities in Gaza with over 13,000 staff, mainly Palestinians, serving as teachers, medical professionals, and aid workers.

Chris Summers contributed to this report.

Source link

TruthUSA

You May Also Like

Report Shows New Housing Construction Requires $100,000 per Home for Infrastructure Funding

John Carpay believes that the RCMP report sent to the Federal Government views democracy as a danger.

Members of Parliament sworn in as Parliament reconvenes following the general election

Leave a Reply Cancel reply