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The United Nations’ prime court docket, the Worldwide Court docket of Justice, on Friday ordered Israel to forestall acts of genocide towards Palestinians and do extra to assist civilians.
A spokeswoman for Wong mentioned Australia revered the independence of the court docket, and that it famous “choices of the ICJ are binding on the events to a case”.
“Australia’s place has been clear and constant all through this disaster,” she mentioned.
“We now have persistently urged all events to the battle to respect worldwide humanitarian legislation, advocated for humanitarian entry, and referred to as for civilians to be protected and hostages launched.”
Australia’s $6 million in funding to UNRWA was a part of an extra $22 million humanitarian help bundle introduced by Wong on her first go to to the Center East earlier this month.
The additional funding for the UN company on the time threatened to anger native pro-Israel teams who had beforehand accused the company of serving to foster antisemitism and extremism within the West Financial institution and Gaza. The company had denied the allegations.
Lazzarini didn’t elaborate on what the staffers’ alleged function was within the assaults. However in a press release, he referred to as the allegations stunning and mentioned any worker “concerned in acts of terror can be held accountable, together with by means of legal prosecution”.
“UNRWA reiterates its condemnation within the strongest potential phrases of the abhorrent assaults of seven October” and requires the rapid and unconditional launch of all Israeli hostages, he mentioned.
The company has 13,000 staffers in Gaza, virtually all of them Palestinians, starting from lecturers in faculties that the company runs to docs, medical workers and support staff.
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The US State Division mentioned it was “extraordinarily troubled” by the allegations towards 12 workers and had quickly paused extra funding for the company.
“Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with United Nations Secretary Basic Antonio Guterres on January 25 to stress the need of a radical and swift investigation of this matter,” a assertion mentioned.
“We welcome the choice to conduct such an investigation and Secretary Basic Guterres’ pledge to take decisive motion to reply, ought to the allegations show correct.
“UNRWA performs a crucial function in offering lifesaving help to Palestinians, together with important meals, medication, shelter, and different very important humanitarian help. Their work has saved lives, and it’s important that UNRWA handle these allegations and take any applicable corrective measures.”
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The US is the company’s largest donor, offering it with $US340 million in 2022 and several other hundred million in 2023.
UNRWA officers didn’t touch upon the impression that the halt in funding would have on its operations.
Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman of United Nations Secretary-Basic António Guterres, mentioned an “pressing and complete” unbiased overview of the company can be carried out.
With AP