Israel's decision to terminate its agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) will cut off the lifeline of Gaza and push the people to death in the midst of severe humanitarian crisis, according to locals.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry on Monday notified the UN of cancellation of the agreement signed in 1967. In a statement, the ministry said that the UNRWA would be replaced by other international organizations, and "preparations will be made to end the connection with UNRWA and to bolster alternatives to UNRWA".
Israeli parliament, the Knesset, passed a law on Oct 28 which stipulates that the UNRWA will not operate any representation, provide services, or conduct any activities, directly or indirectly, within Israeli territory.
"This is a very big deal. And closing any charity or aid agency in the Gaza Strip will have a big impact, let alone UNRWA. Before the outbreak of the current round of conflicts, at least 70 percent of Gaza's population depended on UNRWA for their livelihoods, and during the conflict, it reached 100 percent. If UNRWA is closed, people's lives will be ruined, and everything will be lost," said Abdullah Dardonna, one of the displaced in besieged enclave.
"Eighty percent of the aid we need goes into the Gaza Strip through UNRWA. When Israel closed UNRWA, it was saying to us that 'Prepare to die of hunger', and it was leaving us to starve to death. UNRWA is the lifeline. Closing UNRWA is tantamount to pushing us to death, especially for the people in the north," said Ahmed Mohammed, a local resident in Gaza.
Established in 1949, the UNRWA provides humanitarian assistance, education and health services to registered Palestinian refugees living in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UNRWA, said on Wednesday that Israel's ban on UNRWA will lead to the collapse of the humanitarian system in the Gaza Strip, with catastrophic consequences.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General, said at the daily press briefing on the same day that the UN has written to the Israeli Foreign Ministry reminding them of their obligations under international law.
He also said that if the UNRWA is no longer able to operate, it would be the responsibility of the Israeli authorities to replace those services that the UN agency delivers to civilians in education, in health and all sorts of other areas.
Israel's cancellation of agreement with UNRWA to cut off Gaza's lifeline: residents
Israel's cancellation of agreement with UNRWA to cut off Gaza's lifeline: residents
Israel's cancellation of agreement with UNRWA to cut off Gaza's lifeline: residents
A contemporary Chinese art exhibition has been held at the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest, playing a vibrant role in fostering cultural ties between the East and the West. The exhibits, including brush paintings and sculptures on mountains, rivers, plants, blend traditional brushwork with Western influences, creating a serene, meditative atmosphere.
The artists' deep connection with the natural world is a window that the "Chinese Xieyi exhibition'' at the Hungarian National Museum presents to the public to explore Chinese philosophy, according to Tunde FegyvAri-Komori, curator of the Hungarian National Museum.
"This exhibition is a collection of 58 artworks, including four sculptures from 58 different artists, from the National Art Museum of China's collection. And they represent modern and contemporary artworks, partly reflecting back to the traditional Chinese painting and Chinese art, and partly reflecting to Western influences in art, which mostly started arriving in China after the 1970s and the 80s," said FegyvAri-Komori.
Much of the exhibition showcases traditional Chinese brushwork, where delicate strokes create intricate designs and meanings that express deep philosophical meanings, allowing viewers to experience the world from their perspective.
"The Chinese curators constructed the exhibition around these three topics and these three main aspects to approach Xieyi itself. The first one is called 'yi', which translates as meaning. This focuses on the essence of the topic. The second one is form, which in Chinese is 'xing,' and it's quite similar to meaning, but from a different approach. They are focusing on the form itself that they see, but they are not aiming at mirroring reality. The third one is called 'interest,' or in Chinese called 'qu.' And in this last part, I would say that it's a combination of the first two," said FegyvAri-Komori.
One standout piece is a sculpture that blends mythology and modern art, depicting Lao Tzu departing from the Qin Empire (221 BC to 207 BC), carrying the wisdom that shaped Taoist thought with him. The ox-head panther he rides symbolizes mysticism and the spiritual journey, adding another mythical dimension to the work.
"It expresses Xieyi very well, but at the same time, it also expresses a little bit of Western modern art, abstract art," said FegyvAri-Komori.
For many visitors, the exhibition is a chance to experience the dynamic evolution of Chinese art.
"My father had several books about Chinese art, about porcelains, ceramics, and paintings. It always struck me how different it is from our European tradition. There's a subtlety and sensitivity in it. The way they express emotions feels so unique and profound," said Daniel, a visitor.
The exhibition, part of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and China, celebrates cultural exchange and shared appreciation for art and culture.
Contemporary Chinese art expo held in Hungary helps cultivate ties between east and west
