Hamas: Trump Efforts to Close UNRWA Failed

Gaza, MINA – United States (US) President Donald Trump’s plan to force the closure of the UN aid agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has failed, because a number of countries support the organization and provide funds needed to ensure they remain functioning, said a senior Hamas official.

Previously, Pierre Krahenbuhl of UNRWA announced that the UN agency’s budget deficit for 2018 decreased from US $ 446 million to US $ 21 million as a result of funds obtained from a number of countries.

Speaking to Quds Press, Izzat Al-Reshiq said that efforts aimed at dissolving UNRWA failed because of the support of Arab, Islamic and international countries, MEMO reported, Tuesday.

He noted, several Arab countries, Islam and the European Union stepped in and filled the budget gap after the termination of US support for UNRWA.

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“This is certainly disappointing for the Trump administration,” Al-Reshiq said.

He stressed that this was also a political disappointment and failure for Israeli leaders.

According to him, the Government of Trump and the Israeli occupation have worked hard to close UNRWA, which is a witness to Israel’s crimes against the Palestinian.

The senior Hamas leader demonstrated the importance of UNRWA’s humanitarian services to millions of Palestinian refugees.

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“Palestinian refugees who reject all citizenship projects and still hold on to their right to return to their homes still need services from UNRWA,” he said.

In August, the US State Department said Washington would not make funding for UNRWA. The US has been the biggest contributor to UNRWA so far, providing a budget of US $ 350 million every year.

Founded in 1949, UNRWA provides important assistance to Palestinian refugees in the blockaded Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank, and Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. (T/Sj/RS5)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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