World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus criticized Israel’s recent decision to sever ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

In a video statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Tedros stated: “Let me be clear: There is simply no alternative to UNRWA. This ban will not make Israel safer. It will only deepen the suffering of the people of Gaza and increase the risk of disease outbreaks.”

Israel's decision follows a vote by its lawmakers to cut ties with UNRWA, a move that has sparked global condemnation, including from the United States, one of Israel's key allies. UNRWA plays a crucial role in coordinating aid across Gaza, a region heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict.

The decision to suspend the agency is expected to take effect in late January, with the UN Security Council cautioning that such a measure could have dire consequences for millions of Palestinians who rely on UNRWA’s services. (ILKHA)