30-01-2024 | di COOPI

Gaza. Link2007 NGOs warn: the suspension of funds to UNRWA will have a severe impact on the population

LINK 2007, the network of international solidarity and cooperation NGOs calls on the Italian government to review the suspension of funding to UNRWA, the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees

In the face of the humanitarian catastrophe, the suspension of funding to UNRWA, the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees, announced by several donor governments, including Italy, risks having a very severe impact on the already exhausted population", reads the NGO network's press release.

About one million people are in fact displaced and sheltered in or near the 154 shelter centres set up by UNRWA. The agency therefore plays an irreplaceable role in guaranteeing access to essential goods, starting with food and drinking water.

Although it is emphasised that there is no wish to minimise in any way the absolute seriousness of the accusations against some UNRWA employees, on which the United Nations immediately launched an investigation, rightly adopting severe measures, the institutions are therefore urged to reconsider the decision to suspend funds, which appears disproportionate and mistaken, because it affects those awaiting humanitarian aid in a situation whose seriousness requires urgent action for the very survival of the people. It is also stressed that since the beginning of the conflict, UNRWA has paid an unprecedentedly high price, with 152 employees killed and 141 facilities damaged by shelling.

The urgency of the situation, also underlined by the recent ruling of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, and the need to ensure access and implementation of humanitarian aid in the area of the Strip, is therefore at the heart of the concern of the members of Link2007, who state:

We address our appeal to the Italian Government and donor governments, asking them not to close their eyes to the tragedy of the people of Gaza and to press for full respect of humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law.

 

Download the press release here.

 

LINK 2007 is a network that brings together 16 of the most important and historical Italian Non-Governmental Organisations: AMREF, CESVI, CIAI, CISP, COOPI, COSV, ELIS, FONDAZIONE CORTI, ICU, INTERSOS, LE RÉSEAU, LVIA, MEDICI CON L'AFRICA CUAMM, SOLETERRE, WEWORLD, WORLD FRIENDS.

Photo credits: Ansa