Suspending UNRWA funding is a death sentence for Gazans – Action Aid

GAZA – Since the suspension of UNRWA’s funding by several countries, international non-governmental organizations (INGO) have continuously condemned the decision and advocated for the agency’s central role in providing aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

INGOs warn of an impending humanitarian crisis that contradicts the recommendations of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and hinders the implementation of its urgent humanitarian assistance in the Strip, Khaberni reported.

The British organization Action Aid described the decision to halt support as a “death sentence” for Palestinians in Gaza and the surrounding region. Some human rights organizations have cautioned that those making this decision could be charged with complicity in war crimes.

Kristyan Benedict, Director of Crisis Response for Amnesty International UK (AIUK), called the decision “appalling” and urged an immediate reversal. UNRWA has already stated that it is urgently investigating these allegations.

While speaking to Al Jazeera, Benedict criticized the British government, noting that, after recent baseless accusations of genocide, it appears that the UK is prioritizing its diplomatic and trade relations with Israel and the US over the catastrophic plight of the Palestinian people.

Benedict emphasized that UNRWA is desperately trying to assist Palestinian civilians facing famine and disease in Gaza amid continuous Israeli bombardment and siege. These civilians are the ones who will suffer the consequences of the UK’s decision.

The British government issued a statement following the ICJ’s decision, asserting that Israel’s actions in Gaza do not constitute genocide and labeling South Africa’s lawsuit as “misguided and provocative.”

Akshaya Kumar, the Director of Crisis Advocacy at Human Rights Watch (HRW), stated, “While the signatory states do not have the obligations of an occupier that fall on the state of Israel, they are bound by international law agreements, specifically the Genocide Convention.”

She further explains that there are commitments for both the UK and the US, which have signed international agreements. Among these commitments are two that have been overlooked:

• Preventing genocide: Signatory states must prevent genocide.
  
• Verification of military arms: Before sending any type of military armament, they must verify that it does not violate international or humanitarian law.

Kumar highlights the ICJ’s recommendation to avoid exacerbating the situation and ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance. This obligation applies to all governments that have signed the convention, especially the US and the UK.

She warns against cutting aid to UNRWA, emphasizing that it would lead to the starvation of thousands of vulnerable Palestinians, including women, children, pregnant women, and the elderly, who rely on the agency’s assistance.

“UNRWA has officially informed us that it will not be able to operate by the end of this month,” Kumar stated with concern. “Consequently, there will be terrifying difficulties, and the imminent risk of famine is within the jurisdiction of the ICJ. The court has called on concerned states that have signed its agreement to ensure the entry of humanitarian aid.”

Regarding alternative plans for UNRWA, Kumar warns against such scenarios, describing them as part of Israel’s agenda, referring to statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Yair Lapid to halt UNRWA’s operations in Gaza.

Kumar firmly asserts that any search for an alternative UNRWA plan would align with Israel’s objectives, urging against surrendering to this agenda. The HRW continues to document compelling evidence of Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) atrocities, including serious war crimes such as deliberate collective punishment and using starvation as a weapon of war, all of which violate humanitarian norms.

She cautions against gambling with the lives of Palestinians in Gaza, urging them to wait for investigations to conclude and receive much-needed food assistance. The situation is a looming humanitarian catastrophe.

Finally, Kumar emphasized that the HRW urges Israel to cease conflict and comply with its obligations as an occupying power. These obligations include:

• Responsibility for Palestinian humanitarian needs: Israel must bear responsibility for ensuring that the Palestinian population receives essential humanitarian assistance.
  
• Compliance with the ICJ ruling: Israel should adhere to the ICJ’s ruling, allowing the entry of humanitarian aid.