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SvennoJ on 04 February 2024
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Israeli bank set to block UNRWA’s account: Report

Israeli newspaper Haaretz is reporting that an Israeli bank has notified UNRWA that it is blocking the agency’s bank account due to “tangible suspicions it is transferring funds to terror groups in Gaza”. The bank, which was not named in the report, said it had received information of unusual activity including untraceable transfers in the UNRWA’s account, and issued multiple alerts.

Fifteen donor countries withdrew their funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) after a leaked Israeli intelligence assessment claimed a dozen of the agency’s staff were involved in the October 7 attacks.

Earlier today, UNRWA’s commissioner-general said his agency had not yet been shown any evidence to corroborate these claims. British newspaper the Financial Times also reported that it had looked at the assessment and it did not provide evidence for the claims.

UNRWA vows to ‘do whatever possible’ to continue aid work

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has called for donations amid funding cuts by Western countries after Israel accused the agency’s employees of participating in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Israel has not shown evidence to back the allegations, and aid groups have warned that the cuts will worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“As the largest humanitarian organisation in Gaza Strip – we will do whatever possible to continue our indispensable work to support people in Gaza,” UNRWA said in a post on X. “Despite repeated calls, there is still no humanitarian ceasefire.”

As the war continues

Gaza authorities report ‘heinous massacre’ in Deir el-Balah


Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike in Deir el-Balah town, Gaza Strip

Gaza’s government media office says Israeli forces have killed 30 people in a supposedly “safe area” in the central part of the territory in the past 24 hours. “The occupation army targeted the safe homes of citizens with direct bombardment from military jets. It also bombed a mosque in the same area, which led to the killing of many people,” the office said.

“We hold the Israeli occupation fully responsible for this heinous massacre and the ongoing massacres against our Palestinian people. We also blame the international community and American administration and President Biden personally for the continuation of massacres and crimes in violation of international law and all international treaties and conventions.”