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U.S. Supports Israel's Decision to Close UNRWA's Offices
(U.S. Mission to the UN) Dorothy Shea told the UN Security Council on Tuesday, "Hamas cannot be allowed to play spoiler on behalf of the Palestinians any longer, not after it started this conflict through its horrific attack and its deplorable behavior." "We are concerned about reports that returned Israeli hostages were held by Hamas in UN facilities during their prolonged captivity in Gaza....This follows a pattern of serious allegations on the misuse of UN facilities - particularly UNRWA facilities - by Hamas terrorists....It is Israel's sovereign decision to close UNRWA's offices in Jerusalem on January 30. The United States supports the implementation of this decision." "UNRWA...suggesting that they will force the entire humanitarian response to halt is irresponsible and dangerous. What is needed is a nuanced discussion about how we can ensure that there is no interruption in the delivery of humanitarian aid and essential services. UNRWA is not, and never has been, the only option for providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Many other agencies have experience and expertise to do this work and have done this work." "Gaza must be fully demilitarized to provide a brighter future for the Palestinian people. Hamas should have no role in its governance. The region has suffered for too long from the nefarious influence of Iran, and its terrorist proxies, who have exerted undue influence and destabilized the region for decades."