BELMOPAN, Belize – Belize says it is “deeply concerned” at the decision of donor countries to suspend contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Photo courtesy of the UNThe UNRWA is the principal UN body providing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people and Belmopan said UNRWA’s assistance is especially critical for the survival of the people in Gaza being affected by the current conflict.
“The Government of Belize urges those countries to reconsider their decision and reinstate immediately the contributions to UNRWA that are necessary to be able to assist the millions of displaced persons in the Gaza Strip who have lost everything and are depending solely on the assistance provided by UNRWA.
“By imperiling the capacity of UNRWA to continue its lifesaving aid operations, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is bound to worsen,” the government said.
At least 18 countries along with the European Union have suspended their funding for the UNRWA based on Israel’s allegations that 12 of its staff were involved in the October 7 attacks by Hamas.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini in a statement last Thursday, said “as the war in Gaza is being pursued unabated, and at the time the International Court of Justice calls for more humanitarian assistance, it is the time to reinforce and not to weaken UNRWA”.
He said the UN refugee agency “remains the largest aid organization in one of the most severe and complex humanitarian crises in the world.”
“Belize also reiterates its call for a total cease-fire by Israel and Hamas and the removal of all military equipment and personnel from the Gaza Strip. Belize calls for safe and unimpeded access for the passage of humanitarian assistance that is critical for the survival of people in Gaza, especially women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly,” the statement said.
Last week, Guyana, another Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country said it has pledged US$150,000 to the UNRWA.
“Guyana’s contribution to UNRWA aligns with our appeals for a more robust international response to the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip and the protection of civilians impacted by the ongoing conflict,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement.
