UNRWA head welcomes Swiss parliament’s decision to ‘maintain its funding’
‘Vote is demonstration of Swiss people's solidarity with civilians affected by war in Gaza, Palestinian refugees in Middle East,’ says UNRWA commissioner-general
ISTANBUL
The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) on Tuesday welcomed the Swiss parliament’s decision to “maintain its funding” to the agency.
Philippe Lazzarini said on X that the vote would help the agency continue its humanitarian assistance for deprived communities.
“This vote is a demonstration of the Swiss people's solidarity with civilians affected by the war in Gaza & Palestine refugees in the Middle East,” Lazzarini added.
He also thanked Switzerland for its “generosity” and “commitment” to human rights and international law.
Earlier, Swiss lawmakers rejected a motion from the Swiss People’s Party demanding an immediate suspension of funding to UNRWA, according to Swissinfo.
The Senate voted against the motion by 25 votes to 19 with one abstention.
In October, Israeli lawmakers passed a bill to ban UNRWA from working in Israel and occupied territories, which then came into effect in late January.
