‘Absolute priority’: UN agencies must work unhindered in Gaza, says G7 | UNRWA News

The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) must be able to work unhindered in Gaza, Group of Seven (G7) leaders say, as the rich nations wrap up the second day of their annual summit in Italy.

“We agree that it is critical that UNRWA and other UN agency organizations and delivery networks are fully capable of delivering aid to those who need it most, fulfilling their mandate effectively,” the G7 countries said in their final statement.

They called on all parties to facilitate “the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid to civilians in need” in Gaza, especially women and children.

“Ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access in all its forms – consistent with international humanitarian law and through all relevant land crossing points, including the Rafah crossing, through sea delivery routes, including through the Port of Ashdod – throughout the Gaza Strip remains an absolute priority.”

UNRWA, which coordinates almost all aid to Gaza, has been repeatedly targeted by Israel since the start of the war in Gaza on 7 October.

In their statement, G7 leaders reiterated their concern about the “unacceptable number of civilian casualties” in the war. They again endorsed a truce and a captive release agreement.

“We are deeply concerned about the consequences for the civilian population of the ongoing ground operations in Rafah and the possibility of a large-scale military offensive that would have even more dire consequences for civilians. We call on the Israeli government to refrain from such an offensive,” he stated.

“We condemn the rise in extremist violence committed by settlers against Palestinians, which undermines security and stability in the West Bank and threatens prospects for lasting peace.”

International charity Oxfam reacted to the G7 statement by saying: “Israel and its G7 allies must move from words to action, implement their proposals, withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza and end the occupation. Hopes must come true, the time for talking is over.”

‘Pivotal moment in history’

On Friday, G7 countries turned their attention to migration, artificial intelligence, economic security and the Asia-Pacific region. Its leaders highlighted their determination to face global challenges “at a crucial moment in history”.

The meeting at a luxury resort in the southern region of Puglia (Apulia), in southern Italy, also discussed other important topics, such as financial support for Ukraine, climate change, Iran, the situation in the Red Sea, gender equality and China’s industrial policy and economic security.

“We are working together and with others to address the pressing challenges of our time,” the final statement read.

Migration was the first topic of discussion on Friday, with leaders considering ways to combat trafficking and increase investment in countries where refugees and migrants leave on often potentially fatal journeys.

The topic is of particular interest to Italy, host of the summit, which is on one of the main routes into the European Union for people fleeing war and poverty in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Right-wing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, known for her hard-line stance on migration, has been eager to increase investment and funding for African nations as a way of reducing migratory pressure on Europe.

The leaders “launched the G7 Coalition to prevent and combat migrant smuggling,” the summit’s final statement said, noting that the seven nations would “focus on the root causes of irregular migration, efforts to improve border management and reduce transnational organized crime, and safe and regular pathways for migration.”

In addition to the G7 nations Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, the Italian hosts also invited several African leaders – Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Kenyan President William Ruto and Tunisian President Kais Saied – to put pressure on Meloni’s position. migration and development initiatives.

But human rights groups denounced what they saw as a lack of ambition in supporting developing countries.

The ONE Campaign, which advocates investment in Africa, said it found that the share of G7 and European Union aid going to Africa was at its lowest point since 1973.

“Without any concrete action, the G7 in Italy is nothing more than useless platitudes,” said David McNair, executive director of the ONE Campaign. While the summit’s final declaration “reflects promises of greater partnership between the G7 and Africa, there are very few details about what new financing, if any, will be available.”