UNRWA Commissioner-Basic Philippe Lazzarini gestures after a briefing on the humanitarian state of affairs within the occupied Palestinian territory on the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, April 30, 2024. | Photograph credit score: REUTERS
The top of the UN Palestinian refugee company stated on April 30 that $267 million of its funding was nonetheless suspended over allegations that some UNRWA workers participated within the Hamas assault on Israel on April 7. October.
The January allegations led many donors to freeze some $450 million in funding at a time when Gaza’s 2.3 million persons are in dire want of meals, water, shelter and medication.
Many nations have since resumed their donations, whereas others haven’t, together with the USA, which handed a regulation blocking funding till not less than March 2025.
“That is cash that we knew was dedicated and that continues to be suspended for the company. The full quantity is $267 million. Most of it comes from the USA,” UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini stated at a information convention. in Geneva.
He stated as much as 16 nations had suspended their contributions to UNRWA following the allegations in January, however as of Tuesday “most donor nations have resumed their contributions to the company.”
“We solely have a handful of nations that also must decide,” he stated, citing Britain and Austria amongst them.
Switzerland is because of decide on whether or not to renew assist on Wednesday.
Lazzarini stated nations that had by no means donated to UNRWA earlier than had been now coming ahead with contributions, together with Algeria.
Over the previous six months, greater than $115 million in non-public donations have additionally been raised, “which is a sign of the extraordinary fashionable solidarity expressed in the direction of the Palestinians and likewise in the direction of the company,” he added.
He stated the company had the cash to proceed working till the top of June, however famous that in his tenure since 2020, the company had not often been in a position to look forward financially greater than two or three months.
– Rafah ‘anxiousness’ –
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Tuesday that the Israeli army will launch a floor offensive in Rafah “with or with out” a truce with Hamas in Gaza.
Lazzarini stated there was deep anxiousness within the Gaza Strip over fears of a floor invasion within the southernmost metropolis, which is full of displaced civilians.
“Individuals haven’t but been requested to evacuate Rafah,” he added. “My colleagues on the bottom additionally describe a state of fixed trauma amongst folks.”
The battle started after Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel that killed 1,170 folks, largely civilians, report says AFP depend of official Israeli figures.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed not less than 34,535 folks in Gaza, largely girls and kids, in keeping with the Hamas-controlled territory’s Well being Ministry.
