Published February 29,2024
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Forty-seven members of US Congress on Wednesday referred to as for full funding of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to supply pressing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
“For decades, UNRWA has played a unique and integral role in supporting the welfare and survival of Palestinians,” Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal mentioned in a press release.
Jayapal mentioned that humanitarian assist within the area is already severely restricted.
“Prohibiting United States funding for this organization, which has been on the frontlines of conflict in Gaza, is especially irresponsible and unacceptable given our country’s historic role as the largest contributor to UNRWA. There is no question in my mind that revoking funding for UNRWA will lead to more devastation and loss of life in Gaza,” she added.
Israeli authorities accused among the UNRWA staff in Gaza of collaborating within the Oct. 7 cross-border assault on Israel. Several nations have suspended funding for the company, which was established in 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees throughout the Middle East. The company mentioned it terminated contracts with the workers following allegations by Israel.
Jayapal mentioned anybody concerned within the planning of the October assault should be held accountable.
“And I’m glad to see an independent investigation into allegations against the small number of UNRWA employees. We must ensure though that those acting in good faith to save civilian lives are not undermined by a lack of US funding,” Jayapal mentioned.
– ‘Simply merciless’
Congressman Andre Carson, for his half, mentioned denying hundreds of thousands of harmless civilians shelter, meals, water, sanitary situations and healthcare is “simply cruel.”
“The campaign to discredit UNRWA’s track record because of unsubstantiated allegations, against a small fraction of UNRWA’s employees, attempts to distract from the reality of a devastating, urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” he mentioned.
He additionally confused that the Congress and the Biden administration should unfreeze funding for UNRWA and instantly restore and replenish the “desperately” wanted funds.
Congressman Jamie Raskin mentioned the UNRWA is “essential” to mobilizing aid to the “besieged and desperate” inhabitants of Gaza.
“While I support a timely, thorough and independent investigation of profoundly disturbing allegations against a dozen UNRWA employees out of 30,000 workers, UNRWA is the only institution on the ground with the capacity to provide immediate life-saving assistance to Gaza’s 2.2 million people and address the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in the region,” Rashkin mentioned.
Israel has launched a struggle on the Gaza Strip following a Hamas assault on Oct. 7. The ensuing Israeli bombardment has killed practically 29,954 and injured over 70,000 with mass destruction and shortages of requirements.
The Israeli onslaught has pushed 85% of Gaza’s inhabitants into inner displacement amid acute shortages of meals, clear water, and drugs, whereas 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure has been broken or destroyed, in keeping with the UN.
Israel stands accused of genocide on the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to cease genocidal acts and take measures to ensure that humanitarian help is supplied to civilians in Gaza.
Source: www.anews.com.tr