BRUSSELS — The European Union’s high humanitarian assist official stated on Thursday he has seen no proof from Israel to again its accusations in opposition to employees from the UN Palestinian refugee company UNRWA, which ought to proceed enjoying a “critical” position in Gaza.
UNRWA, which offers assist and providers to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and throughout the area, has been in disaster since Israel accused a dozen of its employees of involvement within the Oct. 7 Hamas assaults in opposition to Israel.
The allegations prompted UNRWA’s largest donor, the United States, and a few others to pause funding, placing the company’s future unsure.
The head of UNRWA earlier this month expressed cautious optimism that some donors would quickly return, although US officers stated Washington’s pause in funding would possibly change into everlasting as a result of opposition in Congress.
The EU’s govt Commission is a number one UNRWA donor after the United States. It stated on March 1 it could pay €50 million to the company, however maintain again €32 million whereas it offers with the Israeli allegations.
Janez Lenarcic, the top of humanitarian assist and disaster administration on the European Commission, stated that neither he nor—in accordance with his information—anyone else on the EU govt, or another UNRWA donor had been introduced with proof by Israel.
“Even if those allegations, at the end of the day, prove to be true, that doesn’t mean that UNRWA is the perpetrator,” he instructed journalists.
In that case, Lenarcic stated particular person accountability could be so as reasonably than abstract justice—and the “irreplaceable” company could be requested to scrub up and stick with it.
“UNRWA has reacted properly, immediately, effectively. It took several measures. There is an investigation. There is a review. We are satisfied so far with all this,” stated Lenarcic.
“UNRWA has of course a critical role to play here because it has unmatched infrastructure, warehouses, shelters, logistical capacities.”
Israel unleashed a struggle in opposition to Hamas in response to the October assault throughout which fighters killed 1,200 individuals and captured greater than 250 hostages, in accordance with Israeli tallies.
Gaza well being officers stated on Thursday that greater than 100,000 Palestinian had been killed or wounded since Israel launched its navy offensive on the enclave.
The battle within the Middle East uncovered divisions within the European Union between international locations together with Ireland, Spain and Belgium whose governments have been extra sympathetic in the direction of the Palestinians, and people of Germany and Hungary who’ve sided extra with Israel. — Reuters
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
