<\/p>\n
15 November 2024<\/p>\n
Seventy-ninth Session,
\n26th Meeting (AM)<\/p>\n
Citing an \u201capocalyptic\u201d situation in northern Gaza, delegates in the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) today reaffirmed their funding commitments and support for UNRWA\u2019s life-saving work and urged the Israeli Knesset to stop its attempts to dismantle the Agency, as that could fuel \u201chopelessness and radicalization\u201d, and lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no justification for cutting ties with UNRWA,\u201d the United Kingdom<\/strong>\u2019s representative asserted, noting that serious allegations against Agency staff last year were decisively addressed by the UN and the Agency\u2019s leadership. \u00a0For that reason, the United Kingdom lifted its funding suspension and committed $27\u00a0million to the Agency this year. \u00a0It rejects attempts to undermine UNRWA, he stressed, noting that the bills passed by the Israeli Knesset are gravely concerning. \u00a0His country pledges to press Israel, through the UN, to ensure that UNRWA can continue its vital work. \u00a0Calling the unfolding situation in northern Gaza \u201capocalyptic\u201d, he said \u201cThere can be no more excuses from Israel when it comes to humanitarian aid. \u00a0UNRWA\u2019s life-saving work must continue.\u201d<\/p>\n Similarly, the representative of Australia<\/strong> stated that her country paused funding to UNRWA but then resumed it, underscoring that UNRWA must continue to do all it can to ensure the highest standards of governance and accountability. \u00a0She opposed the Israeli Knesset\u2019s plans to prohibit UNRWA\u2019s presence in Israel. \u00a0She condemned the brutal and unjustified 7\u00a0October terror attacks by Hamas on Israel, but emphasized that Palestinian civilians cannot pay the price of defeating Hamas. \u00a0Therefore, it is crucial that UNRWA and other UN agencies can fully deliver humanitarian aid and assistance to those in need.<\/p>\n Echoing this sentiment, the delegate for Ireland<\/strong> condemned Hamas\u2019 attacks against Israel but warned that \u201cdismantling the core humanitarian provider in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is not the answer \u2014 it would only breed resentment, and hatred\u201d. Today in Gaza, hundreds of thousands of innocent children are paying the ultimate price for the war, she said, adding that each child is facing a living nightmare.\u00a0 UNRWA is a lifeline for them and the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza. She condemned Israel\u2019s measures against the Agency and urged it not to implement the legislation passed by the Knesset last month.<\/p>\n Among other countries that continued their support to the Agency was Spain<\/strong>, which contributed 43\u00a0million euros since the beginning of the crisis, while others froze theirs. \u00a0Reminding that none of the three\u00a0investigations found proof of UNRWA\u2019s collusion with Hamas, Spain\u2019s delegate recalled the words of the Secretary-General who said that no national jurisdiction can alter or unilaterally rescind an obligation based on international law. \u00a0\u201cAll those present here today can understand the dangerous precedent this would create,\u201d the delegate said, adding that \u201cUNRWA is under siege\u201d.\u00a0It will have fulfilled its mandate when the Palestinian people are no longer refugees, and only implementation of the two-State solution will allow the cycle of violence to be broken.<\/p>\n Poland<\/strong> made extraordinary contributions to UNRWA and the World Food Programme earlier this year, said that country\u2019s delegate, noting also provision of aid to Jordan in order to facilitate humanitarian airdrops into Gaza. \u00a0Describing UNRWA as one of its key partners in delivering humanitarian aid to the region, she commended the Agency\u2019s action plan to implement the independent review group\u2019s recommendations and adopt the findings of the UN\u2019s independent investigation. \u00a0Also voicing grave concern about the recent legislation passed by the Knesset, she warned that the limitations Israel imposes on UNRWA\u2019s activities in Gaza and the West Bank will have a significant humanitarian impact. \u00a0\u201cWe call upon Israeli authorities to suspend this restrictive law,\u201d she stressed, adding that the situation in Gaza demands shared, increased and coordinated efforts.<\/p>\n Likewise, the representative of Colombia<\/strong> called for solidarity to ensure that the Agency\u2019s operations are not hindered or interrupted by unilateral decisions. \u00a0Defending UNRWA\u2019s work is an obligation of all States that champion\u00a0 respect for international law. \u00a0The international community cannot remain silent about the attacks targeting UNRWA’s activities, which for many, represent their \u201conly hope\u201d. \u00a0She thus described as a priority the strengthening and financing of the Agency and providing it with the capacities required to continue its work. \u00a0Equally important is to provide it with the legal, political and institutional support required to prevent the implementation of measures to stop its activities at such critical time.<\/p>\n Joining the calls for more predictable financial and operational support to the Agency, the representative of Sierra Leone<\/strong> said that UNRWA\u2019s resilience and commitment is evident in its ability to adapt to the changing needs of the Palestinian population. \u00a0Amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly acute food insecurity and starvation, she emphasized that UNRWA is \u201cirreplaceable\u201d and that its services are \u201clife-saving\u201d.<\/p>\n The representative of Timor-Leste<\/strong> said the financial challenges facing UNRWA are alarming. \u00a0\u201cThe well-being of millions of refugees relies on the resources and support that are collectively provided,\u201d he said, urging the international community to provide unwavering support to those in need. \u00a0UNRWA, since its inception, has provided indispensable aid to the Palestinian people. \u00a0Education, a key aspect of its work, empowers younger Palestinians so that they can \u201ctransform their realities\u201d.\u00a0 Worsening economic conditions in the region have heightened vulnerabilities of the Palestinian people wherever they may live. \u00a0UNRWA provides them with critical livelihoods and assistance.<\/p>\n Many delegates warned of regional repercussions of the conflict and UNRWA\u2019s possible collapse.\u00a0 Chile<\/strong>\u2019s representative echoed the call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and expressed alarm at the conflict\u2019s ramifications for the region. \u00a0Chile also calls for the swift reestablishment of humanitarian aid flows. \u00a0\u201cIn October, we saw the lowest amount of aid delivered in months, with an average of only 37\u00a0trucks per day for a population of 2.2\u00a0million,\u201d she added.\u00a0\u201cChile\u2019s delegation is in favour of a two-State solution with Israel and Palestine living in harmony within internationally recognized secure borders with full respect for human rights. \u00a0And, the State of Palestine must become a fully-fledged UN member.<\/p>\n The representative of San Marino<\/strong> reiterated the calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages held in Gaza. San Marino is deeply worried about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip where the majority of Palestinians \u2014 millions \u2014 continue to be displaced and traumatized. \u00a0The collapse of the healthcare system in Gaza has caused unprecedented hardship and pain to the injured and sick. \u00a0In that regard, UNRWA\u2019s role is irreplaceable. \u00a0Indeed, it is the \u201cbackbone\u201d of humanitarian assistance in Gaza.\u00a0 But 240 members of the Agency have been killed in the last year alone. \u00a0\u201cThis is totally unacceptable,\u201d she said, calling on all parties to respect international law.<\/p>\n The current situation in Gaza indicates a diminished prospect for a lasting peace for Palestine, warned Sudan<\/strong>\u2019s delegate. \u00a0Highlighting the growing suffering of Palestinians, he stressed the importance of a ceasefire and of humanitarian aid. \u00a0Amid the collapse of public services and infrastructure, UNRWA represents the only hope for assistance and relief for the 6\u00a0million Palestinian refugees scattered across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. \u00a0Despite the challenges, UNWRA has proved its effectiveness, efficiency and tangible impact, he said, stressing that there is no alternative for the Agency. \u00a0Its destruction would be catastrophic, both for the region and individuals, who will be deprived of access to education, healthcare and human development, he said.<\/p>\n The observer for the League of Arab States<\/strong> condemned the Knesset\u2019s laws against UNRWA, calling on the General Assembly\u2019s President to convene its tenth resumed session on the Palestinian issue. \u00a0The \u201cGeneral Assembly must staunchly defend UNRWA,\u201d she said, adding that if it should end its activities, there must be a gradual handover to the legitimate Palestinian authorities. \u00a0Describing UNRWA as a \u201ccentral pillar of the UN\u2019s commitment to the inalienable rights of Palestinian refugees\u201d, she underscored that its accounting documents are complete and transparent, as confirmed by the Office of Internal Oversight Services. \u00a0Attempts by Israel and its allies to uproot the Palestinian people, commit genocide and plant settlers on the occupied Palestinian and Arab lands are a violation of international law, including Security Council resolution 2334\u00a0(2016).<\/p>\n Speaking after the conclusion of the general debate, Greta Gunnarsdottir, Director of the UNRWA Representative Office in New York<\/strong>, reiterated the Commissioner-General\u2019s request to prevent implementation of the contested legislation aimed at undermining UNRWA, as changes to its mandate fall exclusively under the purview of the General Assembly.\u00a0 She urged continued financial support to UNRWA, adding that \u201conce the guns will go silent\u201d the Agency will be the only entity that can take on the education of more than 600,000\u00a0Palestinian children.<\/p>\n The representatives of Israel<\/strong>, Egypt<\/strong> and Kuwait<\/strong> spoke in exercise of right of reply, along with the observer for Palestine<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 15 November 2024 Seventy-ninth Session, 26th Meeting (AM) Citing an \u201capocalyptic\u201d situation in northern Gaza, delegates in the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) today reaffirmed their funding commitments and support for UNRWA\u2019s life-saving work and urged the Israeli Knesset to stop its attempts to dismantle the Agency, as that could fuel \u201chopelessness and 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