Nations cutting funding will shut it down soon: UN aid agency in Gaza
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Jerusalem: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) said that cutting off international funding might shut down its operations across Palestine by the end of February, Agence France-Presse reported.
After an allegation by Israel over 12 employees of the UN aid agency for Palestinian refugees, many major countries that donate to it suspended their funding. Israel had alleged the employees took part in the October 7 attacks in Israel.
Chief of UNWRA, Philippe Lazzarini, said, "If the funding remains suspended, we will most likely be forced to shut down our operations by the end of February not only in Gaza but also across the region," Agence France-Presse quoted.
After talks with Lazzarini, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called for immediate intervention of the international community, supporting UNRWA. He said that the agency plays an indispensable role for Gazan refugees. It serves as a lifeline to more than two million Palestinians who are in an "unprecedented" humanitarian crisis.
Both the agency chief and the Jordan minister urged the countries that had suspended their donations to reconsider their decision.
Jordan's foreign ministry released a statement that any reduction of financial support provided to UNRWA will aggravate the suffering of the Gazan people. They are nearing to mass starvation, AFP reported.
The United States has opted to temporarily withhold approximately $300,000 in funding to the United Nations agency in Palestine.
State Department spokesperson Matt Miller confirmed the funding pause, citing the ongoing investigations into reports linking UNRWA staff to the Hamas attacks, reported CNN.
Despite the pause, he underscored the importance of a thorough investigation into the allegations, recognising UNRWA's crucial role in providing humanitarian support, including education, healthcare, and food relief to Gaza's population.