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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has thrown his support behind the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) amidst a funding crisis triggered by allegations of employee involvement in the October 7 cross-border attack on Israel.
Guterres' endorsement comes at a critical juncture for UNRWA, which has faced financial strain following accusations against some of its staff in Gaza. The allegations have cast a shadow over the agency's operations and raised concerns about its ability to fulfill its mandate amid escalating tensions in the region.
"UNRWA is the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza," Guterres said on Wednesday at the opening of the 2024 session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.
"I appeal to all member states to guarantee the continuity of UNRWA’s life-saving work," he said, adding that the UN "immediately" acted after receiving the "very serious allegations" against UNRWA staff members.
"I was personally horrified by these accusations. Yesterday, I met with donors to listen to their concerns and to outline the steps we are taking to address them," he added.
"I underscored the importance of keeping UNRWA’s vital work going to meet the dire needs of civilians in Gaza, and to ensure its continuity of services to Palestine refugees in the occupied West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria," Guterres said.
Amidst the funding shortfall and allegations against its employees, UNRWA remains steadfast in its mission to provide essential services and assistance to Palestinian refugees across the Middle East since October 7.
Amidst the funding shortfall and allegations against its employees, UNRWA remains steadfast in its mission to provide essential services and assistance to Palestinian refugees across the Middle East since October 7.
