‘Simply a Lie’: Israel slams UNRWA claims that it is blocking aid to Gaza
Israel has slammed the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for its claims that the country was withholding humanitarian aid from the Gaza Strip, saying it was “simply a lie.”
The Field Offices of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza city. Gaza, Nov 17, 2020. Photo by Majdi Fathi/TPS
UNRWA spokesperson Tamara Alrifai called on Israel on Wednesday to “enable access to the Gaza Strip. Humanitarian corridors are always extremely effective in situations of conflict. They’re supposed to protect humanitarian convoys going into a danger zone.”
However, she failed to note that Israel has enabled such access, twice, and was bombed by Hamas terrorists in its efforts to do so.
During the transfer of humanitarian aid into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing on Tuesday, Hamas deliberately bombed the crossing, resulting in the injury of an IDF soldier. Only eight of the 40 aid trucks made it through.
The Gaza-based terrorists launched their massive bombardment of Israeli cities and towns in southern Israel on Tuesday immediately after the IDF concluded the transfer of fuel into the Gaza Strip earlier in the day.
On Wednesday, again, Hamas’ barrage of mortars halted the transfer of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
“Hamas’ terrorist activities, which repeatedly fire at delegations leading civilian aid and medical equipment to the Gaza Strip, are primarily affecting the residents of the Gaza Strip,” the IDF’s The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) stated after the incident.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lior Haiat stated that “Hamas’ action should be condemned by all those who care about the Palestinians in Gaza.”
As for UNRWA’s claim that Israel is preventing humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza, it “is a cynical misrepresentation and simply a lie.”
He noted that this was not the first time UNRWA has “chosen to twist the facts and misrepresent events, for the sole purpose of blaming Israel.” However, “yesterday’s statement is reaching a new low.”
“Israel will continue its efforts to coordinate the transfer of humanitarian aid into Gaza, taking into account security considerations,” he stated.
He demanded that UNRWA “alter its statement so that it reflects reality and urge it to condemn the Hamas terrorist organization, which is to blame for this situation.”
Former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley of UNRWA claims that it is “nothing more than a corrupt and useless organization.”
