UNRWA banned from operating in Jerusalem and West Bank
UNRWA banned from operating in Jerusalem and West Bank
Share:
A ban preventing UNRWA, the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees, from operating in Occupied East Jerusalem and Israel has come into force today. The highly controversial move came into force after the Israeli Parliament voted in favour three months ago, and after a legal challenge to pause the ban was rejected by the Israeli Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Israel accuses UNRWA of having close links to Hamas in Gaza, which the organisation denies. Nine UNRWA employees were sacked for taking part in the 7 October attacks. Many donor countries initially suspended funding but most, including the UK, have since reinstated it.
"UNRWA equals Hamas," an Israeli government spokesman said yesterday. "Israel has made public irrefutable evidence UNRWA is riddled with Hamas operatives.". No evidence has been presented of those links existing in Jerusalem or the West Bank. In the Shuafat refugee camp close to Jerusalem, Palestinian patients told us they were angry and concerned by the loss of vital services.
"I'm against this decision, we're all against it, the whole camp," said Amal. "Everyone has benefited from this clinic. Both West Bank and Jerusalem residents. "I've been coming here ever since I was a little girl, we've gotten used to coming here. This really doesn't work for us.".
Be the first to get Breaking News. Install the Sky News app for free. Another patient, Mohammed, was carrying boxes of prescription medicine, paid for by UNRWA because he couldn't afford them himself. "I have a chronic disease and I rely on a monthly prescription," he told us. "My children get treated here; their children get vaccinated.
Share:
More for You
Top Followed
You Might Also Like
