The U.N. Palestinian relief agency, UNRWA, warned on Friday that halting its humanitarian efforts in Gaza could jeopardize the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
This ceasefire has paused a 15-month conflict that has devastated the Gaza Strip and resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, further destabilizing the Middle East.
The current deal has facilitated an increase in humanitarian aid and allowed for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza alongside Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons.
Juliette Touma, the director of communications for UNRWA, stated at a press briefing in Geneva, “If UNRWA is not allowed to continue to bring and distribute supplies, then the fate of this very fragile ceasefire is going to be at risk and is going to be in jeopardy.”
Currently, UNRWA’s operations in Gaza and other areas continue, despite an Israeli ban scheduled to take effect on January 30, she noted.
However, she mentioned that their Palestinian staff in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are encountering challenges, including stone-throwing incidents and delays at checkpoints.
“They face an exceptionally hostile environment as a fierce disinformation campaign against UNRWA continues,” she added.
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