Amman, Jordan - July 09, 2024

Jordan on Tuesday pledged full support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) citing the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The pledge was made by Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi while meeting with Commissioner-General of UNRWA Philippe Lazzarini in Amman, capital of Jordan.

Safadi said that the serious humanitarian situation in Gaza has been further deteriorating as Israel has impeded the operation of UNRWA. As a result, the role of the organization is limited now.

"As the Israeli attacks continue, the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is further worsening. The amount of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza has been kept at the minimum level which is far from enough to meet the basic needs of the Palestinians there," said Safadi.

Safadi called on the international community to take unequivocal, swift and decisive actions to force Israel to shoulder its responsibilities, ensure the entry of aid, open all the channels, and provide protection for UN organizations.

He also reveled that Jordan will cooperate with other countries to convene an international meeting to seek sustained political support for UNRWA from the international community.

For his part, Lazzarini said he appreciated Jordan's efforts to help UNRWA and the Palestinian refugees.

He noted that UNRWA and its staff members as well as the displaced people it has been sheltering have been experiencing blatant and prolonged attacks, resulting in over 500 deaths including 130 children.

These actions violated international humanitarian law, and the attackers should be held accountable, he said.

"These are nothing else than blatant disregard of international humanitarian law, and this is the reason why I do believe it is important that this, once a ceasefire is in place, be investigated and those responsible be made accountable. Because if we do not do this, the risk is that in the future, the United Nations, humanitarian organizations or all those representing multilateral organizations be the target in any other context," he said.

UNRWA said that over half of its institutes in Gaza had been attacked and were seriously damaged since the latest round of conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out in October of last year.

In early 2024, Israel accused UNRWA staff of participating in the Hamas-led attack on Israel, claiming that hundreds of UNRWA staff were members of militant groups. Israel also claimed that UNRWA facilities had been used by armed Palestinian fighters.

UNRWA has responded with calling for independent investigations into the accusations.

As Israel's military operations in Gaza continue, UNRWA said local residents in Gaza have lost their hope for safety and stability.

Amid the deteriorating humanitarian crisis, Gaza is in dire need of an immediate ceasefire, UNRWA said.

Shotlist:
Amman, Jordan - July 9, 2024:
1. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in Near East (UNRWA) (L) talking with Ayman Safadin, Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates (R);
2. Press briefing in progress;
3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ayman Safadin, Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates:
"As the Israeli attacks continue, the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is further worsening. The amount of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza has been kept at the minimum level which is far from enough to meet the basic needs of the Palestinians there.";
4. Press briefing in progress;
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General, UNRWA:
"These are nothing else than blatant disregard of international humanitarian law, and this is the reason why I do believe it is important that this, once a ceasefire is in place, be investigated and those responsible be made accountable. Because if we do not do this, the risk is that in the future, the United Nations, humanitarian organizations or all those representing multilateral organizations be the target in any other context.";
FILE: Gaza Strip - June 28, 2024
6. Various of people evacuating, gutted buildings;
Gaza Strip - July 7, 2024
7. Various of school buildings, debris;
8. UN flag.

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