GENEVA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said on Tuesday that the Israeli government's cooperation has "utmost importance" for an independent panel's review of the agency.
After attending a briefing at the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said the independent panel's review on UNRWA will begin on Wednesday. He called on all parties to actively cooperate with the review.
"It is of utmost importance that the government of Israel also cooperate" so that the independent panel could get information "more than the allegations," Lazzarini said.
He also expressed concern about the humanitarian crisis in southern Gaza's Rafah area, where people are in fear of a possible "large-scale military operation." The local people were asked to move, he said. "But the question is, where to move?"
Israel accused 12 UNRWA employees of having participated in the Hamas's attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Last week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed an independent panel to review the operations of the agency. The final report of the independent panel is expected to be completed and published in late April. ■
