PALESTINIAN ANGER OVER US MOVES JUSTIFIED
There are genuine reasons behind Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ anger with Washington and refusal to accept the United States As THE sole mediator In THE MIDDLE East Conlict. Closing THE PALESTINE LIBERATION Organisation OFICE In Washington, recognising occupied Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, moving Its Embassy AND slashing PALESTINIAN AID money ARE Deinitely not peace initiatives but can only be seen as hugely discriminatory, favouring the occupation forces.
Through such biased actions, Washington has forfeited its right to be regarded as an honest peace mediator.
While the American administration still talks about prospects of the “deal of the century,” its actions have amounted to taking several steps backwards, to such an extent that it even undermines the two-state solution favoured by the international community.
Incidentally, the United Nations has been focused on the Middle East Conlict SINCE 1947. Seventy-one years AND Four wars later, after countless Security Council resolutions, the issue remains where it was when it began, owing to the belligerence of Israel.
The recent decision by the United States to cut funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which works tirelessly for Palestinian refugees, merely added another blow to peace efforts in the region.
ESTABLISHED By THE GENERAL Assembly In 1949, THE UNRWA provides Assistance AND protection to over ive million REGISTERED Palestine refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.
Fortunately, the international community continues to hold A irm, unwavering Commitment to keep UNRWA ALIVE AND ensure it continues to provide health and education services to Palestinian refugees.
It is consoling to note that the UNRWA has received pledges of $118 million from donor countries to help it overcome a crisis triggered by the US funding cuts. The European Union’s offer of An Extra $46 million to THE AGENCY will Also Help ill A signiicant part of the budget shortfall.
Sadly, not content with cutting funds to UNRWA, the Trump administration also cut $200 million in bilateral aid to the Palestinians for projects in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
The United States would do well to reverse its recognition of occupied Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and cuts in aid to the Palestinians as these steps undeniably undermine the two-state solution.
While the rest of the world stands solidly behind the Palestinians, it is disappointing that Washington fails to get the message right. It should end its biased approach.
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