Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said that the Russian Federation called for a reconsideration of the decision to dismiss employees of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) based solely on Israel’s statements. His words at the General Assembly Meeting of the Association were quoted as follows: TASS.
“We state that these employees have been dismissed immediately, pending any investigation, based solely on Israel’s allegations. “We call for a reconsideration of this step until all the circumstances of what happened are clarified,” Nebenzya said.
The diplomat also stressed that UNRWA funding should be fully restored. According to him, if this is not done, those who blackmail the institution by refusing to provide financial assistance will share the blame with the Israeli authorities for the consequences of such a decision for the Gaza Strip.
Before that, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated On the need to investigate Israeli accusations against UNRWA. The Russian Foreign Minister noted that Moscow categorically condemns Hamas’ attack on Israeli territory. According to him, immediately after the events of October 7, 2023, the Russian leadership called on the international community to combat all forms of terrorism. However, the country’s authorities emphasized that countermeasures should not violate international humanitarian law.
January 29 New York Times reportedIsrael handed over a dossier containing accusations against UNRWA to the United States. According to the publication, the documents detail the Jewish state’s allegations against the organization for its possible involvement in Hamas activities.
Previously UNRWA loss Half of the budget due to accusations of collaboration with Hamas.