The World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly condemned Israel’s recent decision to shut down the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). According to WHO chief, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, this move by Israel will not only have a devastating impact on the lives of Palestinian refugees but will also not make the country any safer.
The UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide essential services such as education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees who were displaced during the Arab-Israeli war. For over seven decades, the agency has been a lifeline for millions of Palestinians, providing them with basic necessities and opportunities for a better future. However, Israel’s recent decision to terminate the agency’s operations has put the lives of these vulnerable refugees at risk.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a statement, expressed his deep concern over the closure of UNRWA, stating that it would have a severe impact on the health and well-being of Palestinian refugees. He emphasized that the agency’s services were crucial in providing essential healthcare to over 5 million refugees, including primary care, maternal and child health, and mental health services. With the closure of UNRWA, these refugees will be left without access to vital healthcare services, putting their lives in danger.
Moreover, the WHO chief also highlighted the impact of the closure on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that the pandemic has already put a strain on the healthcare systems in the region, and the closure of UNRWA will only worsen the situation. Palestinian refugees, who are already living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, will now be more vulnerable to the virus without access to proper healthcare facilities. This move by Israel is not only inhumane but also goes against the global efforts to combat the pandemic.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also criticized the decision to close UNRWA, stating that it would not make Israel any safer. In fact, it would only further escalate tensions and create more instability in the region. The closure of the agency will not only affect the health of Palestinian refugees but will also have a negative impact on the socio-economic situation in the region. With no access to education and job opportunities provided by UNRWA, the refugees will be left with no means to support themselves and their families, leading to a more desperate and volatile situation.
The WHO chief called on Israel to reconsider its decision and urged the international community to support the agency’s operations. He emphasized that UNRWA’s services were crucial not only for the health and well-being of Palestinian refugees but also for the stability of the region. The closure of the agency will only add to the suffering of the Palestinian people and hinder the efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The decision to shut down UNRWA has been met with widespread condemnation from the international community, with many countries and organizations expressing their support for the agency and its vital work. The United Nations has also called on Israel to reverse its decision and continue to support UNRWA’s operations. It is crucial for the international community to come together and take a stand against this unjust and inhumane move by Israel.
In conclusion, the World Health Organization strongly condemns Israel’s decision to shut down the UNRWA, stating that it will have a devastating impact on the health and well-being of Palestinian refugees. The closure of the agency will not make Israel any safer and will only add to the suffering of the Palestinian people. It is time for the international community to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian refugees and support the agency’s operations to ensure their basic rights and dignity are protected. Let us come together to make a positive change and create a better future for all.
