UNITED NATIONS, March 5. /TASS/. Russia calls for reconsideration of the decision to dismiss employees of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) solely on the basis of Israel's accusations, Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said.
"We note that these staff members were immediately dismissed before any investigation was conducted, based solely on Israel's allegations <...>. We call for a reconsideration of this step until all the circumstances of what happened are clarified," he said.
The funding of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) should be fully restored, otherwise those who are blackmailing the agency by refusing to provide financial aid will share the blame with the Israeli authorities for the consequences of such a decision, Nebenzya added.
"UNRWA funding must be fully restored, otherwise the agency's blackmailers will fully share the blame with Israel for all the consequences of this inhumane step for the people of Gaza," he said during a speech at the UN General Assembly.
The diplomat pointed out that Russia "expresses its gratitude to all member states that rushed to help and made additional financial commitments." "We call on other countries to support UNRWA on a depoliticized basis in the interest of ensuring its sustainable and uninterrupted work," the Russian diplomat said.
In late January, a number of countries, including the US, the UK, Germany and Canada, announced the suspension of UNRWA funding over suspected links to the radical Palestinian movement Hamas. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini ordered the dismissal of several agency employees allegedly involved in an attack by Hamas militants on Israel in October 2023.