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UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has called on Israel to allow the UN agency mandated to care for Palestinian refugees, to discharge its humanitarian duties freely in accordance with international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law.
Speaking in the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, Pakistani delegate Bilal Chaudhry raised concern over the movement and access restrictions imposed on Palestinian refugees and the UN agency’s staff within Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
He said the Israeli blockade of Gaza, compounded by the pandemic’s impact, drastically limited economic activity in that territory and impeded the agency’s operations.
“The world simply cannot fail the Palestinian refugees,” the Pakistani delegate said, adding, “Their humanitarian needs cannot be mortgaged to political expedience and partisan interests.”
Diversifying UNRWA’s donor base and adopting responsible investment strategies are valuable initiatives, especially in these challenging times, he said.
“On its part,” he said, “Pakistan has been UNRWA’s reliable and time-tested partner, and our commitment to extend financial and political support to UNRWA remains unfettered.
“This commitment is a natural corollary of Pakistan’s strong affiliation with the Palestinian cause.”
