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United States does not rule out resuming UNRWA funding if “fundamental changes” are made

The United States does not rule out resuming its funding of UNRWA (United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees), whose contributions it suspended on January 26. To do this, it needs “fundamental changes” in its operations, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said after a Security Council meeting on Tuesday.

The United States has traditionally been the largest donor country to UNRWA, but on Friday it announced it was suspending funding after it emerged that 12 of its agents were killed in Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7. Was accused of participating. Fifteen countries suspended their contributions following the US decision.

Following the tone of the past few days, in which the US was highly critical of UNRWA, today the Ambassador highlighted its fundamental role in assisting the Palestinian population. “UNRWA plays a vital role in providing vital assistance to Palestinians, including basic food, medical care and shelter,” the Ambassador summarized. He also revealed that his country has sought “further information” from Israel regarding the involvement of these activists in the attacks.

The diplomat elaborated that it is important for the United States that there be fundamental changes to the agency: “We must examine the organization, how it operates in Gaza, how it manages its personnel, and ensure Those who commit criminal crimes must be held accountable for their actions.” , Specific.

This Tuesday, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, was due to meet with 35 member states and the European Union to try to guarantee the continuity of the work of UNRWA, on which more than a million Palestinians in Gaza depend. Following the funding suspension announcements, the agency only has resources to continue its work for the next month. (efe)