A group of Democratic congress members filed legislation to restore US financing to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), which provides critical assistance services to over 6 million Palestinian refugees.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, together with Andre Carson and Jan Schakowsky, stated Thursday that revoking UNRWA funding will "lead to more devastation and loss of life in Gaza. We must ensure that those acting in good faith to save civilian lives are not undermined by a lack of US funding."

She noted that UNRWA has played a "unique and integral" role in the care of Palestinian refugees for decades.

Carson asked colleagues who value human rights to support the bill, explaining that "UNRWA has taken appropriate and proactive steps towards accountability and transparency, conducting multiple independent reviews that continue to prove the organization is both in compliance and imperative to provide the region with lifesaving assistance" and citing that it was "past time" to restore funding.

Congresswoman Schakowsky stated that the UNRWA has been a "lifeline" for Palestinians and is the "backbone" of the humanitarian response in Gaza despite the continuous war and catastrophe, expressing that "the US must follow suit and resume funding for this critical humanitarian agency."

Last week, Philippe Lazzarini stated in an interview that the Israeli government was attempting to dismantle the organization after failing to persuade Western donors to cease supporting it due to false claims of the agency cooperating with the Palestinian Resistance, Hamas. 

Lazzarini stated that this attempt would have "devastating consequences for the multilateral system, the UN, and the cause of a Palestinian transition to self-determination."

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'Essence of our common humanity is at stake': UN official warns

On Monday, the United Nations called on the global community to take immediate action to prevent further catastrophe in Gaza, emphasizing that "the essence of our common humanity is at stake," Anadolu Agency reported.

During a session of the UN Security Council, Sigrid Kaag, the senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, described the situation as a grave and sobering reality. She underscored the international community's significant responsibility in addressing the ongoing war.

Kaag pointed out the severe impact on Gaza's infrastructure and its people, noting that "the already fragile health infrastructure has been further devastated." She highlighted the critical issue of over 625,000 children who are still out of school, stating that their futures are overshadowed by "trauma, loss, and deprivation."

She reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire, the unconditional release of captives, and unrestricted humanitarian access, emphasizing that immediate political resolve is essential to address these pressing concerns. "Time is slipping away as a man-made humanitarian crisis has turned Gaza into the abyss," she said, noting that the lack of effective protection for civilians is "unconscionable".

Stressing the need to ensure "unimpeded and safe access" for aid workers to reach those in need, Kaag said, "The polio campaign shows that, even in the direst circumstances, with sufficient political will, and real-time political commitment, humanitarian action is possible."

She noted the "vital role" of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), describing it as a "critical, trusted partner in the social fabric of Gaza and as the backbone of the humanitarian operations."

Kaag asserted that without a stronger political commitment, current efforts are inadequate. "Existing systems alone cannot replace the political will necessary to reach civilians and address their needs. Systems alone do not save lives or restore dignity to those who have lost everything," she said.

The UN remains resolute in its commitment to stay and deliver support for the people of Gaza.