UNRWA: Israel should be accountable

Israel should stand accountable for committing violations against Palestinian civilians, Commissioner General for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency Pierre Krähenbühl said during the Arab foreign ministers meeting in Cairo.

During a speech to the Arab foreign ministers meeting in Cairo, he said Palestinians are not merely numbers as repeatedly claimed by Israel, and are rather men, women and children who have hopes and aspirations as all people across the globe.

Krähenbühl added that time has come for things to change in Gaza and the West Bank and to solve the issues behind the conflict, as well as to have free commerce, labor, and movement.

He appealed for an urgent assistance of US$ 47 million, adding that long-term reconstruction of the besieged coastal enclave should be addressed and that it is connected to negotiations of the entry of goods and construction materials into Gaza.

Krähenbühl said urgent financial support is needed to fix minor damages, i.e. doors and windows of thousands of partially damaged houses before the start of winter, and to provide house rental fees for displaced Palestinians whose houses were completely destroyed, adding that the UNRWA’s budget deficit currently stands at US$ 50 million.