UNRWA is “irreplaceable”, stresses its spokesperson in Jerusalem
The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) “it is irreplaceable”declared Jonathan Fowler, his spokesman in Jerusalem, on Tuesday, interviewed by Agence France-Presse..
“This remains a fact, regardless of the legislation adopted yesterday”he continued, judging “scandalous” the bill passed the previous day in the Knesset, which prohibits “UNRWA activities in Israeli territory”even in East Jerusalem, an area occupied and annexed by Israel.
A second text approved on Monday prohibits Israeli officials from working with the agency and its employees, which is expected to significantly disrupt the agency’s activities, while Israel strictly controls all entries of humanitarian shipments destined for Gaza.
“It is up to the international community and the Israeli authorities, as members of the international community, to say what plan B is.if the decision were effectively implemented within three months, as provided for in the text, added Jonathan Fowler. The entire United Nations system and other international actors depend on UNRWA’s logistics networks and personnel to do what is necessary to try to keep the people of Gaza alive. We are the backbone. »
Jens Elder, spokesman for Unicef, which is currently involved in a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza with UNRWA, addressed the logistical issue Tuesday during a news conference in Geneva. “If UNRWA cannot act, the humanitarian system in Gaza will likely collapse. UNICEF will not be able to distribute vital supplies »he warned.
Tarik Jasarevic, spokesman for the World Health Organization (WHO), which also supports the polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, told UNRWA on Tuesday that “3,000 of their employees are healthcare workers, this is truly unique and no agency can compare, including the WHO”.
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