U.N. aid agency suspends Gaza distribution over riot at HQ
- 11 years ago
A key life-line in Gaza - shut down.
The main UN humanitarian agency for Palestinians suspended operations in Gaza Thursday.
The move came after demonstrators stormed its headquarters, angry over news it was scaling back aid to Gaza's neediest residents because of budget cuts.
The UN agency's chief, Filippo Grandi, said they won't re-open their doors until local authorities give security guarantees.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY (UNRWA) COMMISSIONER-GENERAL, FILIPPO GRANDI, SAYING:
"We can have no tolerance whatsoever for aggressive behavior towards our installations and our staff in particular, and this is what happened yesterday. There was a pre-organized demonstration, and demonstrations are fine, but not when they turn violent and very risky."
But on Friday, the Hamas government in Gaza said the UN agency was over-reacting and urged it to resume work there.
Two-thirds of Gaza's population depends on the agency
The main UN humanitarian agency for Palestinians suspended operations in Gaza Thursday.
The move came after demonstrators stormed its headquarters, angry over news it was scaling back aid to Gaza's neediest residents because of budget cuts.
The UN agency's chief, Filippo Grandi, said they won't re-open their doors until local authorities give security guarantees.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY (UNRWA) COMMISSIONER-GENERAL, FILIPPO GRANDI, SAYING:
"We can have no tolerance whatsoever for aggressive behavior towards our installations and our staff in particular, and this is what happened yesterday. There was a pre-organized demonstration, and demonstrations are fine, but not when they turn violent and very risky."
But on Friday, the Hamas government in Gaza said the UN agency was over-reacting and urged it to resume work there.
Two-thirds of Gaza's population depends on the agency