DayofPal– The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved on Monday a draft resolution opposing Israel’s decision to halt UNRWA operations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The draft resolution was prepared by the State of Palestine and Jordan, at request of 12 countries, and with Turkey participating in its presentation in the special session on “Supporting the Continuation of UNRWA Educational Activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories” which was held at UNESCO’s Executive Board headquarters, according to Anadolu Agency.
The resolution stated that UNESCO is deeply concerned about Israel’s recent atrocities that threaten the continuity of UNRWA’s services in providing education to Palestinian children, especially in Gaza.
It further condemned all actions that put Palestinian children’s right to education at risk, reaffirming UNESCO’s commitment to supporting UNRWA’s educational activities.
Fifty countries out of the 58 in the Executive Board voted for the resolution, while the United States, Argentina, the Czech Republic, and Paraguay voted “no”; Albania and Burkina Faso abstained from voting.
Last month, Israeli parliament approved two controversial bills to ban UNRWA from operating in occupied Palestinian territories, and decided that the ban will take effect in 90 days, paralyzing the agency’s ability to fulfil its mandate, as set out by the UN General Assembly in 1949.
UNRWA provides education, health services and vocational training to countries in the Near East for 7 decades. In Gaza, it gives 1.8 millions food parcels and cash assistance, and employs 13,000 staff. Banning the agency means 278,000 won’t be able to continue their education.
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