THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) condemned Israel’s decision to ban UNRWA from operating. This, WHO said, would not make Israel safer but would actually increase the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
“Let me be clear: There is no alternative to UNRWA,” UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said in a video posted on X.
“This ban will not make Israel safer. It will only worsen the suffering of the people of Gaza and increase the risk of disease outbreaks,” he said
His remarks came after Israel said it had officially informed the UN of its decision to cut ties with UNRWA. This is in line with the approval of Israeli parliamentarians who supported the move last week.
The suspension of operations of the agency, which coordinates nearly all aid in war-torn Gaza, has sparked global condemnation including from Israel’s main backer, the United States.
The measure is expected to come into effect at the end of January. The UN Security Council warned that this would have a devastating impact on millions of Palestinians.
Israel accused dozens of UNRWA officials of participating in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, the deadliest attack in Israeli history.
A series of investigations found several problems with neutrality at UNRWA but said Israel had provided no evidence for its main allegations.
UNRWA employs 13,000 people in Gaza and fired nine of its employees after an internal investigation found they were suspected of involvement in an armed attack on October 7.
UNRWA, founded in 1949 after the first Arab-Israeli conflict following the creation of Israel a year earlier, provides aid to nearly six million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.
Every day, it provides thousands of medical consultations and vaccinates hundreds of children. Therefore, many humanitarian partners rely on UNRWA’s logistics network to deliver supplies to Gaza.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the UNRWA staff who collaborate with his organization are professionals in their fields.
“They are dedicated health and humanitarian experts who work tirelessly for their communities under unimaginable circumstances,” he concluded. (TRTWorld/Z-2)
#Banning #UNRWA #Gaza #Israel #Safer
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today. We are discussing the recent decision by Israel to ban the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, or UNRWA, from operating within its borders. With me is Dr. Sarah Khan, a humanitarian policy expert. Dr. Khan, the World Health Organization has condemned this ban, stating it will worsen the suffering of civilians in Gaza. What are the broader implications of this decision?
**Dr. Khan**: Thank you for having me. The implications of Israel’s decision are quite severe. UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing essential services—education, healthcare, and food assistance—to millions of Palestinian refugees. The WHO’s statement highlights that without UNRWA, we risk a significant humanitarian crisis that could lead to increased disease outbreaks and overall destabilization of the region.
**Interviewer**: The Israeli government and some of its supporters argue that this ban is necessary for national security. How do you respond to those concerns?
**Dr. Khan**: While security is undoubtedly a concern for Israel, evidence suggests that humanitarian assistance providers like UNRWA can actually contribute to stability. By supporting civilians and addressing their basic needs, you reduce desperation and the likelihood of conflict. Cutting off aid may temporarily align with security interests, but in the long term, it could lead to greater unrest and instability.
**Interviewer**: There has been significant international condemnation of this decision. How might this impact Israel’s relationships with its allies, particularly the United States?
**Dr. Khan**: The U.S. has historically been a strong supporter of Israel, but this move could strain those relations. Humanitarian issues resonate deeply with the international community, and the U.S. has emphasized the importance of relief efforts in Gaza. If the administration perceives this ban as detrimental not only to the Palestinians but to regional stability, we could see a shift in diplomatic dynamics.
**Interviewer**: What alternatives exist for ensuring aid reaches those in need if UNRWA operations are suspended?
**Dr. Khan**: Ideally, we would want to see a robust international response where multiple agencies could fill the gaps left by UNRWA. However, coordinating aid in such a complex environment is challenging. Additionally, the funding and operational capacity of other organizations may not be sufficient to meet the overwhelming needs. Continued collaboration and dialogue among international stakeholders are crucial to finding viable solutions.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights into this complex issue. It’s clear that the effects of this decision will be felt well beyond the borders of Israel and Gaza.
**Dr. Khan**: Thank you for having me. It’s essential we continue to address these humanitarian concerns.
