Jerusalem: On Tuesday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) strongly condemned the assault on its compound in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem. The assault was carried out by a group of Israeli settlers led by a Knesset member and accompanied by local media.
According to Kuwait News Agency, UNRWA stated that this assault constitutes a serious violation of international law and the obligations of the occupying power as a United Nations member state. During a press conference held in Geneva, UNRWA's Director of Communications Juliette Touma said that the settlers entered the compound without authorization, raised flags and banners, and attempted to claim the premises to establish a new settlement.
Touma explained that the compound had been targeted for months, following UNRWA's forced evacuation in January last year. The evacuation was necessitated after the Israeli Knesset passed a law banning the agency's operations and occupation authorities refrained from renewing the visas of its international personnel.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini sent a letter to the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, urging the government to stop the "disinformation campaigns" against UNRWA and resume cooperation with the agency in accordance with international frameworks. Lazzarini also requested evidence to support allegations against the agency, stating that the lack of formal proceedings or credible evidence undermines the validity of these claims. Touma emphasized that the ongoing unfounded accusations have endangered the lives of UNRWA staff and damaged its reputation.
When questioned about the involvement of the "Gaza Humanitarian Organization," backed by the US and Israeli authorities for aid distribution in Gaza, Touma clarified that UNRWA is not part of the current mechanism. She stressed the need for reopening all crossings into Gaza to ensure a safe environment and expedite humanitarian aid entry. Touma confirmed that UNRWA and other UN agencies are prepared to continue their humanitarian efforts, particularly in Gaza, where they have the necessary capacity and infrastructure for an expanded response.