Islamabad, 30 January 2023 (WAI): On Monday, Pakistan expressed concern over aid suspension for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Germany, Italy, Finland, and Japan have suspended their funding to UNRWA.
This suspension came over the allegation of UNRWA staff involvement in the October 7 attacks on Israel. UNRWA agency heavily depends on external funding for its aid operation. Since October 7, 2023, Gaza has been facing the worst humanitarian crisis because of war. As a result of this decision, agency aid work in Gaza will be impacted.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office, in its press release said, “The timing of this suspension is deeply troubling as it takes place amidst the ongoing war, displacement, and suffering of the people of Gaza who depend on critical aid from UNRWA for their daily survival.”
The statement states, “UNRWA serves as a lifeline for over two million people, providing shelter and delivering vital food and primary healthcare services, even amidst the most intense hostilities.”
Pakistan considers the decision to suspend funding in response to allegations against a small group of staff “unjustifiable.”
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Pakistan emphasizes prioritizing the continuity of UNRWA’s operations to sustain the survival of the people of Gaza. The Foreign Office agrees with the UN Secretary-General’s perspective that “UNRWA’s current funding would not be sufficient to meet all the requirements to support the Palestinian people over the next month.”
Pakistan urged “all countries that have suspended their funding for UNRWA to reconsider their decision to avoid suspension of the Agency’s humanitarian work.”
“The lives of the people in Gaza hang in the balance and depend on this crucial support, “it said.
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