China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Fu Cong on Wednesday reiterated his country's firm support for UNRWA and expressed its serious concerns over and condemnation of Israel's systematic steps to suppress UNRWA.
Fu delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly Informal Meeting on UNRWA, or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in Near East. For the past year, said UNRWA Commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini at the meeting, UNRWA had been a lifeline for the people of Gaza. At least 239 UNRWA personnel had been killed, and if UNRWA collapses, millions of Palestinians will be plunged into chaos, he said, urging the UN to stop Israeli Knesset's legislative action.
Riyad Mansour, permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, pointed out that the legislative action is another evidence of Israel's genocide in Gaza, and is also a violation of the UN Charter and international laws.
Fu said UNRWA was established in accordance with the mandate of the GA resolution. Israel's national legislation violates its obligations under the UN Charter and international law, he noted.
Fu stressed that UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian assistance in the region, supporting the lifeline of two million people in Gaza. Preventing UNRWA from delivering assistance will, as a direct consequence, aggravate the hunger, disease, and suffering of the people in Gaza. It is typical collective punishment and a violation of international humanitarian law, he said.
"Israel's allegations against the neutrality of UNRWA are untenable. The Independent Review Group appointed by the Secretary-General has issued its report and has made it clear that UNRWA has in place a significant number of sound mechanisms to ensure its neutrality and to ensure that it is capable of timely responses to and accountability for any breaches," said Fu.
The pressing priority is to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, said Fu, adding that China supports the General Assembly and the Security Council in taking all necessary actions to this end, and will continue tireless efforts together with the international community.
The Israeli parliament passed on Oct 28 two legislations to prohibit UNRWA from operating in the country, and ban Israeli authorities from any contact with the agency.
China expresses firm support for UNRWA at UN meeting
