NEW YORK: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President, Dennis Francis, has called on UN member nations to provide “sustainable financial and political support” to UNRWA, the main aid agency operating in the Gaza Strip.
The President expressed these remarks while responding to a letter from UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, said the aid UN agency has been an indispensable lifeline for millions of people in Palestine.
UNRWA provides healthcare, education and other important services to Palestinians, currently struggles to overcome the “major humanitarian crisis since its formation”.
The UN agency was alleged by Israel earlier of having connection to the October 7 attack against the occupying power.
UNGA President Asks Quick Support to UNRWA for Palestinians Amid Funding Cuts
The Israeli accusations against UNRWA, which were not publicly supported by evidence, have prompted over ten donor countries, including Germany, the US, the EU, Japan and Canada, to suspend financial help.
UNRWA stated being cut off in this way means the UN agency will run out of money altogether within few weeks.
An American intelligence assessment recently cast doubt on Israel’s allegations against UNRWA, citing Israel’s prejudice against the UN agency.
UNRWA is confronting with crisis following Israel alleged some of its staff members of being associated with Hamas. In a statement, UNRWA said that clean drinking water is scarce while spread of diseases is also on the rise. It added that the situation is very catastrophic, but UNRWA teams will continue to provide critical aid to the people of Palestine.
Local media reported that a two-month-old Palestinian kid has passed away from starvation in Gaza, as Israel is alleged of using starvation as a weapon of war.
New Israeli strikes on the ravaged Gaza leave around 100 Palestinians dead, as the death toll from the attack is fast approaching 30,000.
