Guterres: UNRWA is the "Backbone" of Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as the "backbone of all humanitarian efforts in Gaza" on Wednesday. Guterres urged all countries to "ensure the continuity of UNRWA's life-saving work." Speaking before the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, he stated, "I was personally appalled by these accusations," and added, "I met with donors yesterday to listen to their concerns and to determine the steps we will take to address them." Guterres noted that "the humanitarian system in Gaza is collapsing," and expressed concern about the "inhumane conditions that 2.2 million people in Gaza are facing as they struggle to survive without any basic essentials."