UNRWA: “Shocked by the cessation of funding, 2 million people depend on us”
“Shocking”: This is the adjective used by Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, to suspend funding decided by eight countries, most notably Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Great Britain and the United States. The Secretary-General of the United Nations stressed that the “survival” of more than two million people depends on the humanitarian activities carried out by UNRWA in the Gaza Strip. The suspension of the transfer of funds followed accusations made by the Israeli government that some of the people paid by UNRWA were involved in attacks launched by Hamas commandos on 7 October. The agency was established in 1949. Since then, it has provided medical assistance, educational support and humanitarian assistance services in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. In the sector alone, it employs about 13,000 people for this type of activity. Regarding Israel's accusations, UNRWA reported that it had begun an investigation and had already removed suspects in connection with the events of October 7. In a statement, Lazzarini stressed, “It is shocking to see the agency’s funding suspended in response to allegations regarding a small number of employees, especially in light of the immediate action taken by UNRWA to terminate their contracts and call for an independent, independent commission.” Transparent investigation.”