Lazzarini: Israel’s claims make UN groups reputable targets

Yakut Dandashi/Anatolia

The Excessive Commissioner of the United Nations Aid and Works Company for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, mentioned on Thursday that Israel’s accusations of the involvement of the group’s workers within the assault on October 7, 2023 made the UN groups “reputable targets.”

Lazzarini mentioned in statements to the American newspaper “The New York Instances” that the continuing battle within the Gaza Strip since October 7 final 12 months “was the results of a transparent disregard for the United Nations mission, together with assaults on his employees which led to the loss of life and damage of a whole bunch of them.”

Lazzarini opined that “the size and scope of the latest assaults towards UNRWA workers warranted the pressing institution of an unbiased investigative committee.”

He warned that “Israel’s accusations have made UN humanitarian employees reputable targets within the eyes of some.”

He continued: “Not solely do Israeli officers threaten the work of our workers and our mission, however additionally they delegitimize UNRWA.

On Wednesday, the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) permitted, in a preliminary studying, a draft regulation abolishing UNRWA’s immunity and privileges for the 12 months 2024.

There are nonetheless three extra readings to be voted on for the draft regulation to take impact, as a part of what Palestinian teams, the UN and worldwide organizations say is Israel’s marketing campaign to dismantle UNRWA and the refugee difficulty. to soften

The Knesset defined, “The draft regulation states that the provisions of the United Nations Immunities and Privileges Directive of 1947 don’t apply to UNRWA, or to its workers, or to anybody who work for him,” and that “the Overseas Minister should cancel the authorized order granting this immunity.”

In keeping with the draft regulation, the UN Immunities and Privileges Order of 1947 authorizes Israel’s Overseas Minister to “difficulty a authorized order that the United Nations and its personnel obtain immunities and privileges.”

He defined, “Among the many exemptions and privileges loved by UNRWA are: immunity from trial, immunity for archives and workplaces, exemption or discount from taxes and property tax, exemption from import or export ban, exemption from revenue tax, and others. .”

The draft regulation claimed that UNRWA and its workers contributed to the “Al-Aqsa Flood” assaults on October 7 final 12 months, and that “the group’s schooling system helps terrorism and hatred.” “

On that day, Hamas launched assaults on navy bases and settlements alongside Gaza, in response to “the every day crimes of its employees towards the Palestinian folks and their sanctity, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque,” in accordance with the motion.

In keeping with the draft regulation, “There is no such thing as a place to provide the group and its employees the advantages or immunity they deserve in accordance with the mandate of the United Nations and its employees.”

UNRWA, which has its headquarters within the Sheikh Jarrah district of East Jerusalem, denies the legitimacy of Israel’s accusations towards it, and confirms that it adheres to neutrality and focuses totally on to help refugees.

In change for the United Nations persevering with to stick to UNRWA, Israel has in latest months requested different establishments to interchange it, and has satisfied international locations, particularly the USA, to cease has financed the group, leaving it with actual funds. deficiency

The Palestinian want for UNRWA companies is rising as a result of battle launched by Israel towards Gaza since October 7 final 12 months, which has left greater than 117,000 lifeless and wounded, principally of them youngsters and girls, and about 10,000 lacking amid famine and nice destruction. .

UNRWA was established by a decision of the United Nations in 1949, and was requested to offer help and safety to refugees in its 5 areas of operation: Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Financial institution, and the Gaza Strip, to can their case be correctly resolved. has been reached.

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