GCC Secretary-general urges continued support for UNRWA
Jasem Mohamed al Budaiwi, Secretary-general of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has emphasised the critical need of continuing financial assistance to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Amidst challenging times, he called on countries that have suspended aid to the agency to reconsider and resume their support promptly.
The call for renewed assistance comes as Estonia and Japan join other nations, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Finland, Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Iceland, in suspending funds to UNRWA. This decision follows allegations of 12 of its staff members participating in the Hamas-led October 7 massacre.
Simultaneously, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Palestine, Francesca Albanese, made a statement on Sunday expressing concern that the suspension of funding by these countries is adding to the challenges faced by the Gaza Strip.
Francesca highlighted the impact of the funding suspension on millions of Palestinians. She accused the countries of contravening obligations related to the Genocide Convention, stating that this action punishes a vast population in need.
Budaiwi, in his statement, outlined the grave implications of withdrawing support for UNRWA. He pointed out that such a move would exacerbate the suffering of the Palestinian people and impede the agency's capacity to fulfill its responsibilities.
He specifically mentioned the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, underscoring the urgent need to support children, women, hospitals and those injured in the conflict.
He commended the humanitarian and relief work carried out by UNRWA in the Gaza Strip, occupied Palestinian territories and refugee camps, and reaffirmed the GCC countries' unwavering support for the agency's noble goals.
Concluding his statement, he called on the international community and its institutions to intensify their efforts in providing comprehensive support to UNRWA, enabling it to continue its vital humanitarian work and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.