Gaza: Spokesperson for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Adnan Abu Hasna lauded Qatar's significant and vital role in supporting the Agency.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), he emphasized that Qatar was one of the first countries to respond humanitarianly before and after the ceasefire in Gaza. He also noted the substantial increase in Qatari aid on various levels following the ceasefire agreement, highlighting the high appreciation for this significant role.
Abu Hasna stated that Qatar is among the most important supporters of UNRWA, through signing several cooperation agreements with Qatari institutions, reflecting Qatar's appreciation and understanding of UNRWA's vital work in Gaza.
He affirmed that UNRWA continues its operations in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, stressing that halting the Agency's work in Gaza, for instance, would mean the cessation of essential services, which is unacceptable and unimaginable at any level.
Abu Hasna described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as dire, noting that the humanitarian aid received so far does not exceed 10,000 trucks, which is merely a drop in the ocean of Gaza's vast humanitarian needs, especially in terms of food supplies.
The UNRWA Spokesperson added that the health sector urgently needs substantial aid, including field hospitals, medical teams, equipment, and medicines. Additionally, there is a dire need for tents to shelter Palestinians whose homes have been completely destroyed, along with the repair of electricity and water networks, and the introduction of specialized teams to remove thousands of unexploded mines and shells.
Regarding UNRWA's future amidst the Israeli decision to halt its activities, Abu Hasna reaffirmed the Agency's determination to continue supporting Palestinians in their plight.
He said tat Israel succeeded in closing UNRWA's headquarters, which leads the UNRWA's operations in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, adding that UNRWA schools and clinics continue to operate in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
He noted that UNRWA represents the largest portion of humanitarian and relief operations in Gaza, where it has been active since 1950, adding that the Agency managed to reach 1.3 million Palestinians after the ceasefire, a significant effort by UNRWA, as it remains a lifeline in Gaza.
Abu Hasna commended international stances opposing the decision to halt UNRWA's activities, stating that there are movements at all levels to oppose this unjust decision, confirming that UNRWA has received support from the UN Secretary-General, and a General Assembly resolution has called on Israel to reverse its decision, stressing that the Agency has also received considerable support from Norway and notable efforts from major EU countries to either annul or postpone the decision.
The UNRWA Spokesperson explained that the Agency represents the collective memory of the Palestinians, while the Israeli government clearly speaks of the need to punish UNRWA and remove it because it perpetuates the refugee issue.
He underlined that UNRWA works within the UN system and implements the mandate issued by the UN General Assembly, stressing that the Agency will continue its work in all regions.
