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Israeli-Palestinian conflict

UNRWA funding crisis sparks fear of catastrophe in Gaza — UN

It is stressed that the suspension of funding "will force the agency to stop its operation in the Gaza Strip within the next two weeks"

CAIRO, February 13. /TASS/. The Gaza Strip will be faced with an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe if the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) ceases its activities in the enclave, a UN official said.

"The termination of the UNWRA’s activities in Gaza will trigger a humanitarian tsunami in the region the world has not seen since World War II," the Al-Qahera Al-Ekhbariya television channel cited him as saying.

The UN official stressed that UNRWA employees are working in the most difficult and dangerous conditions in the Palestinian enclave. "More than 5,000 agency employees are fulfilling their professional duties in the enclave’s shelters and hospitals, helping tens of thousands of Palestinians every day," he said.

He stressed that the suspension of funding "will force the agency to stop its operation in the Gaza Strip within the next two weeks." An UNRWA spokesperson said on February 10 that the current financing would only be enough to last until the end of February.

According to earlier reports, a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Germany, announced their decision to suspend financing for the UNRWA following reports about some of the agency’s employees possibly being linked with Hamas. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini ordered the dismissal of several agency employees due to their alleged connection to the Hamas attack on Israel last year.

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East was established in 1949. Its mission is to provide medical, social and food aid, as well as education, to 5.9 mln refugees in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. The organization is funded by donations from UN member states, the European Union and international NGOs.

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Israeli-Palestinian conflict

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Assassination attempt on Slovak PM Fico was planned in advance — defense minister

It is reported that doctors are doing everything possible to stabilize the patient

Russia-China relations not opportunistic, not directed against anyone — Putin

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Putin arrives in China on state visit

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Cuban president calls on US to remove Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism

Zelensky's presidential powers to expire May 21 — Ukrainian legislator

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Putin, Xi Jinping conclude informal talks

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Russia, China warn US, NATO against setting up military infrastructure in Afghanistan

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Dnepr battle group destroys 15 Ukrainian boats in one day — Kherson governor

In addition, 23 drone control centers were destroyed and 34 drones shot down or disabled

Putin arrives in Harbin to open Russia-China Expo

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Press review: Putin embarks on state visit to China and assassination attempt on Slovak PM

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, May 16th

Prime Minister of Slovakia shot by 71-year-old assailant — report

The man reportedly owned his weapon legally

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Slovak leader urges suspension of country's campaign for European Parliament elections

Peter Pellegrini emphasized that "Slovakia must choose the path of peace and coolheadedness"

Russian Aerospace Forces destroy three militant bases in Syria — Defense Ministry

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Russia-China cross-cultural years to span beyond major cities — Putin

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Blinken says Ukraine may engage in talks if Russia shows 'interest'

Antony Blinken noted that in terms of negotiations, these are "decisions for Ukraine to make"

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Russia, China agree on developing railway cargo transportation, border crossings

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