May 22, 2018:
Letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
From: David Bedein , Director, Israel Resource News Agency & The Center for Near East Policy Research
Tendentious UNRWA statement
Why does UNRWA, which defines itself as a neutral observer, give credence to the
notion that Israel used “excessive use of force employed against demonstrators, who have the right to peaceful assembly and expression”?
How can UNRWA characterize a massive violent assault on Israel’s border as a matter of “peaceful assembly and expression”?
How can UNRWA define rioters as “demonstrators”
Why s
hould the UN allow UNRWA to poison the tone of Middle East media coverage?
This is the statement of UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness:
Will the UN consider action against Mr. Gunness for such a partisan statement?
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Date
15. may 2018
Statement by UNRWA Spokesperson, Chris Gunness
“GUNNESS, Christopher” ”
UNRWA is dismayed by the deaths and injuries in Gaza today of dozens of civilians, including children. The Agency unreservedly condemns the excessive use of force employed against demonstrators, who have the right to peaceful assembly and expression.
The population in the Gaza Strip has been exposed to the consequences of repeated armed conflicts and a stifling blockade over the past decade. Today’s violence and loss of life will add yet another layer of trauma onto an already untenable situation.
UNRWA is specifically alarmed by the impact the latest developments have had on Palestine refugees, who constitute over 70 percent of Gaza’s population. Since 30 March, when what has become known as the “Great March of Return” started, at least 4 UNRWA students have been killed and some 125 injured.
Behind the numbers, there are shattered lives, destinies and limbs. In many cases the injuries sustained are very severe and likely to result in life-long disabilities.
UNRWA supports calls for investigations into these grave incidents in accordance with international standards to ensure accountability for violations of international law.
The risk is high to see similar violence occur again in the coming days.
Collective international mobilization is therefore urgently required to prevent further loss of life and injury. Every additional casualty is a defeat for humanity’
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