3,000 homes being destroyed by the Zionist occupation in the West Bank

Islam Times Correspondent in Palestine reported on Tuesday that during the opening session of the Advisory Commission of UNRWA in the Jordanian capital, Amman, Grandi said that in a time where claims of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and improving living conditions are increasing in various parts of the region, it is the international community’s duty to consult with refugees and to double its efforts to reach a just and lasting solution in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations.

In his speech, Grandi urged the participating delegates to take into account the continuing importance of UNRWA and its mission in the field of human development and humanitarian support for refugees, noting that UNRWA is the only agency of the United Nations which provides basic services directly in the areas of education, health, micro-credit and social safety net for Palestine refugees.

He drew attention to the dire situation faced by many of the Palestinian refugees, 'especially those living under occupation in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.'

Moreover, he highlighted the cases of ‘relentlessly expanding Zionist settlements over the Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem'. He expressed UNRWA’s concern about the implications of this matter on the future Palestinian state. “Expanding settlements, removing Palestinian homes and property will only deepen the Palestinian isolation.”

He pointed out that there are nearly 3,000 destruction orders under implementation in the West Bank, warning: “the worst is yet to come, unless urgent and more effective pressure is put on them to stop such violations.”

The Commissioner-General expressed his gratitude to the donors to UNRWA, including Arab donors, for the generous support provided to the Agency, noting that the pledges made by Arab donors this year are of $ 144 million, including $ 44 million from the Gulf Cooperation Council through the Islamic Development Bank.

Grandi urged Arab donors, in particular, to continue their generous donation to the general budget of the Agency which in return works on financing basic services in education, health and support for the poorest of the refugees.