SRINAGAR: The head of the UN agency helping Palestinian refugees is warning that Israeli legislation which takes effect in two days will cripple its operations, undermine the current ceasefire and “sabotage Gaza’s recovery and political transition”.
The agency known as UNRWA is the major distributor of aid in Gaza and provides education, health and other basic services.
Israel accuses the agency of turning a blind eye to staff members it says belong to Hamas, divert aid and use UNRWA facilities for military purposes — allegations UNRWA has repeatedly denied.
“A ceasefire in Gaza must be followed by a political transition that includes an orderly conclusion of UNRWA’s mandate, and the handover of its public-like services to empowered and prepared Palestinian institutions,” he said, stressing that this is the path now being pursued by an alliance led by Saudi Arabia, the European Union and the Arab League. (AP) SCY
