Kuwait points finger at Israel for UNRWA’s funding crisis

Al-Khubaizi cites as an example latest war on Gaza

NEW YORK, Nov 11, (KUNA): Kuwait on Tuesday pointed finger at the Israeli practices for the growing financial burdens on the UN Relief and Work Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

The growing, backbreaking financial burdens on the agency was the result of Israel’s actions, Member of Kuwait’s Delegation to the 70th session of the UN General Assembly Abdullah Al-Khubaizi said Tuesday at the UN Fourth Committee (the Special Political and Decolonization Committee) meeting.

He cited as an example the latest Israeli war on Gaza Strip which left over 2,000 people dead and 11,000 others injured and displaced over 200,000 Palestinians.

He recalled that the devastating offensive had also pulverized the infrastructure and thousands of buildings including schools, mosque and 118 UN buildings.

Israel’s lack of respect for United Nations premises had resulted in a number of deaths, including those of 11 UNRWA staff, he said.

Al Khubaizi emphasized that the UN Security Council resolutions calling for an end to the chocking Israeli blockade on Gaza must be respected.

He also criticized the Israeli usurpation of Palestinian land to build illegal settlements. The activities of the Israeli authorities and their settlement activities meant that such aggression was on the increase, he said.

He underlined that the international community must shoulder its responsibility to end the suffering of the Palestinian refugees, and address the crimes “which are approaching war crimes” without double standards, he stressed.

Al Khubaizi reiterated the call for all member states to continue to support UNRWA in the exercise of its mandate.

He disclosed that Kuwait has recently contributed $15 million in response to UNRWA’s appeal in relation to its threatened education programme, and pledged $200 million over three years for the rebuilding of Gaza.