PUTRAJAYA, April 24 (Bernama) \u2013 Malaysia has urged countries that suspended their contributions to resume their support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The agency serves as a vital lifeline for the besieged Palestinians, according to the Foreign Ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a statement, the ministry widely known as Wisma Putra said Malaysia welcomed the decision by several countries to resume their contribution to UNRWA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is imperative for nations to re-evaluate their priorities with Israel, given its despicable actions at the expense of the Palestinian people,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ministry said Malaysia welcomes the findings of the United Nations Secretary-General by the \u201cIndependent Review of Mechanisms and Procedures to Ensure Adherence by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to the Humanitarian Principle of Neutrality\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It said the report unequivocally rejects Israel\u2019s baseless accusations of United Nations (UN) staff being involved with terrorist organisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe continued propagation of lies, deceit, and misrepresentation by Israel\u2019s propaganda machinery constitute a grave offence against human decency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIsrael\u2019s false accusation has not only tarnished the agency\u2019s reputation but also undermined the valuable contribution of donor countries, unjustly impeding their support without valid grounds,\u201d the statement read. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the statement, the Independent Review Group was established by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on February 5 this year to assess UNRWA\u2019s neutrality following allegations by Israel of the involvement of UNRWA\u2019s staff in the 7 October 2023 attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n