Tens of 1000’s of Palestinian refugees in occupied East Jerusalem – whose annexation by Israel shouldn’t be recognised internationally – additionally obtain schooling, healthcare and different providers from UNRWA.
Touma mentioned that its Palestinian workers within the West Financial institution and East Jerusalem are going through difficulties, citing examples of stone-throwing and hold-ups at checkpoints with out attributing blame.
“They face an exceptionally hostile atmosphere as a fierce disinformation marketing campaign in opposition to UNRWA continues,” she mentioned. “It has been a very tough experience it has not been straightforward. Our workers haven’t been protected.”
Worldwide workers have already left after their visas expired, she added.
Israel has lengthy been crucial of UNRWA and alleges its workers had been concerned within the lethal Oct 7, 2023, assaults on Israel which triggered the Gaza warfare. The UN has mentioned 9 UNRWA workers could have been concerned and had been fired.
The ceasefire deal has allowed for a surge in humanitarian assist and enabled the discharge of Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Earlier than the settlement, specialists had warned of imminent famine in elements of northern Gaza. Provides have since risen and the World Meals Programme mentioned that greater than 32,000 tonnes of meals had entered Gaza because the Jan 19 deal took impact.
On the identical briefing, the World Well being Group’s Dr Rik Peeperkorn mentioned about 12,000-14,000 sufferers had been ready to be evacuated from Gaza throughout the Rafah crossing. Fifty are set to be moved on Saturday amid warnings that some youngsters might die.
These could be the primary medical evacuations through Rafah because it was shut in Might final yr, he added.
“They (evacuations) should urgently resume and a medical hall should open up,” he mentioned.
Israeli International Minister Gideon Saar mentioned Israel was dedicated to facilitating humanitarian assist to the Gaza Strip, saying assist ought to undergo different worldwide companies and NGOs.
“Humanitarian assist would not equal UNRWA and those that want to help the humanitarian assist effort within the Gaza Strip ought to make investments their sources in organizations various to UNRWA,” he mentioned in an announcement.
“We are going to abide by the legislation and we’ll proceed to facilitate humanitarian assist.”
