Published February 02,2024
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New Zealand, which has joined the U.S. and UK in suspending funding to the UN’s support company for Palestinians, on Friday introduced an additional $5 million value of humanitarian help for Palestine to “respond to the extreme humanitarian need” in Gaza and the West Bank.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters in a press release stated the extra help might be offered by means of the World Food Program and UNICEF.
“The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling,” Peters stated. “That is why New Zealand has contributed $15 million in humanitarian assistance since the start of the conflict in October 2023.” The quantity is separate from Auckland’s $1 million annual contribution to UNRWA.
“With 2.2 million people on the brink of famine in Gaza, the work of World Food Program is more important than ever,” stated Peters. “We call on Israel to do more to facilitate faster entry of aid into Gaza by streamlining its inspection processes, opening more border crossings for aid delivery and helping ensure safe passage for those delivering this vital assistance.”
Referring to Israeli latest allegations that a few of UNRWA’s employees have been concerned within the cross-border assault on Israel by Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7, Peters stated they’re persevering with to work with the UN and different donors across the investigation.
“We recognize the key role of UNRWA in the Gaza and West Bank humanitarian response, so it is important that this investigation is progressed rapidly and comprehensively, and the next steps are identified quickly,” he stated.
More than a dozen international locations have suspended funding for UNRWA, which was established in 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees throughout the Middle East.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon earlier this week stated his authorities won’t make additional funds to UNRWA till his overseas minister is glad over the accusations in opposition to a few of its staffers.
Source: www.anews.com.tr