EU Chief says defunding UNRWA would amount to collective punishment

BRUSSELS: Following the suspension of funding for UNRWA by several countries, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union Josep Borrell stressed in a statement tonight that UNRWA is a critical lifeline for millions of Palestinians suffering from catastrophic hunger and the outbreak of diseases. 'Defunding the agency would put hundreds of thousands of lives at risk," said the EU Chief. Regarding allegations made by Israel against at least 12 UNRWA employees, which were subsequently followed by defunding announcements, Borell demanded the opening of an independent investigation into these allegations, stating that defunding the UN relief agency would amount to collective punishment. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) warned in a recent statement that it would not be able to continue operations in Gaza and across the region beyond the end of February if funding were not resumed. Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA