Following the release of an independent assessment of its neutrality, Germany said on Wednesday that it will be returning to work with the United Nations relief organization for Palestinians in Gaza, joining a number of other nations in doing so.
The head of the Arab League praised the report, claiming it demonstrated that Israel’s accusations were unfounded and that they were a part of a “systematic campaign” to terminate the agency’s mandate.
“Regrettable and disappointing” was the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s description of Germany’s decision. Israel asserts that the report downplayed the issue and maintains that hundreds of UNRWA employees are members of terrorist Palestinian organizations. The United States and over a dozen other nations stopped contributing to UNRWA as a result of its accusations.
In addition, the Israeli military announced on Wednesday that it is preparing an operation in Rafah, which it regards as Hamas’ final stronghold in the region, by redeploying two reserve brigades from its northern border to Gaza for “defensive and tactical missions.”Rafah has become the haven for over half of the 2.3 million people living in the region.
A $95 billion military aid package, which includes billions for Israel and about $9 billion in humanitarian supplies for Gaza, which experts fear is on the verge of starvation, was signed into law by US President Joe Biden on Wednesday.
The historic invasion into southern Israel on October 7, during which militants killed around 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and kidnapped about 250 captives, was the impetus for the Israel-Hamas conflict. Israel claims More than half of the territory’s population of 2.3 million have sought refuge in Rafah.
U.S. President Joe Biden signed into law on Wednesday a $95 billion war aid measure that includes around $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, which experts say is on the brink of famine, as well as billions for Israel.
The Israel-Hamas war was sparked by the unprecedented Oct. 7 raid into southern Israel in which militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250 hostages. Israel says the militants are still holding around 100 hostages and the remains of more than 30 others.
More than 34,000 Palestinians have died in the war, almost two thirds of whom were women and children, according to local health officials.
According to the senior U.N. humanitarian representative for Gaza, Israel has made improvements in the way aid is delivered to the region, but more drastic action is required to boost the amount of food and other essentials that are needed in the area where hunger is about to strike.
The U.N. Security Council was informed on Wednesday by Sigrid Kaag, the senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, that “a paradigm shift is needed to continue to meet the immense needs of the civilian population in a safe and secure manner.”