Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 29th Jan. UN chief António Guterres on Sunday has appealed to the countries that suspended funding to the UNRWA to reverse their decisions to ensure the vital humanitarian operations continue for Palestinians in Gaza.
Mr. Guterres said in a statement issued by the UN spokesman office in New York that the Organization is promptly responding to the extremely serious allegations that several UNRWA personnel were involved in the 7 October terror attacks in southern Israel.
The statement noted that an investigation by the Office of Internal Oversight Services, the highest investigative body in the UN system, was immediately activated.
“Any UN employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” Mr. Guterres said.
He added that “The Secretariat is ready to cooperate with a competent authority able to prosecute the individuals in line with the Secretariat’s normal procedures for such cooperation”.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini had announced on 17 January a full, independent review of the agency.
He stressed that out of the 12 individuals implicated, 9 were immediately identified and terminated by the UNRWA head.
One is confirmed dead, and the identities of the remaining 2 are being clarified, Lazzarini stated.
He said that over 2 million civilians in the Gaza Strip depend on lifesaving aid provided by UNRWA.
UNRWA operates shelters for over 1 million people and has been providing food and healthcare since the start of the conflict.
Its current funding is insufficient to meet all requirements to support them in February, he stated.
Mr. Guterres acknowledged the concerns of the countries that halted funds and expressed his own horror at the accusations, he strongly appealed to the governments that suspended contributions to, at least, guarantee the continuity of UNRWA’s operations.
“The abhorrent alleged acts of these staff members must have consequences. But the tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized,” Guterres said.
He added “The dire needs of the desperate populations they serve must be met.”
