From the Website of Vatican
links https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-07/holy-see-pledges-to-continue-its-financial-support-to-unrwa.html
Holy See pledges to continue its financial support to UNRWA
The
Vatican's Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Archbishop Gabriele
Caccia, confirms that the Holy See will continue contributing to the UN
Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees and stresses UNRWA’s
“crucial role” in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Allegations over 12 UNRWA employees' involvement in October 7 attacks
UNRWA,
which was established in 1949 to provide relief, health, and education
services for Palestinians who lost both their homes and their means of
livelihood during the Arab-Israeli wars and is funded almost entirely by
voluntary contributions, came under scrutiny earlier this year after
Israel claimed 12 of its 13,000 employees were involved in the 7 October
Hamas terrorist attack.
The initial Israeli allegations led 16
donors, including the United States, to pause their funding to the
agency, though many — including the European Union and Germany —have
since resumed contributions, based partly on the urgent humanitarian
crisis in Gaza, and partly on UNRWA’s reported assurances that it would
take additional measures to mitigate future risks of possible
involvement of its staff and assets in terrorist activities.
In
March UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, said “serious
action” was taken including the termination of the 12 alleged culprits’
contracts.
UNRWA's crucial role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians
Addressing
the UN General Assembly on the issue on Friday, Archbishop Gabriele
Caccia, reiterated the Holy See’s support for the UN subsidiary agency’s
mandate.
The Vatican Permanent Observer highlighted the
“crucial role” of UNRWA in addressing the basic needs of over 5 million
Palestinian refugees in the Middle East, especially in the context of
the ongoing catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Need to preserve UNRWA's neutrality
At
the same time, he said, the Holy See considers it of the “utmost
importance to preserve and promote the neutrality of UNRWA so it can
fulfill its mandate in accordance with the 1949 UN resolution.
In
his statement, the Vatican diplomat again urged all parties involved in
the hostilities in Gaza “to engage in constructive dialogue on peace
proposals”, including the one outlined in the UN Security Council
Resolution approved in June calling for a comprehensive three-phase
ceasefire deal.
Archbishop Caccia, reiterated the Holy See’s
plea for a ceasefire on all fronts, for the immediate release of all
Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, the respect for international
humanitarian law by all parties involved, and “the unhindered” delivery
of essential aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza.
In this
context, he said, “the Holy See calls for the reopening of all Gaza’s
entry points to facilitate the delivery of the much-needed humanitarian
assistance,” especially to children and the needy.
Holy See's insistent plea for peace and protection of civilians
Archbishop
Caccia also strongly reaffirmed the Holy See’s plea for the protection
of safe havens where civilians can find refuge, such as schools,
hospitals and places of worship, and its call on all parties to ensure
the safety of humanitarian personnel.
The Vatican Permanent
Observer concluded by citing one of Pope Francis’ most recent compelling
appeals for a lasting peace in the Holy Land “where the State of
Palestine and the State of Israel can live side by side, breaking down
the walls of enmity and hatred.”
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