Israeli TV Channel Two has issued a retraction and apologised to UNRWA after broadcasting what it admitted was a "damaging" item about UNRWA's neutrality. In addition, the allegations were also taken off Channel Two's website following a complaint by UNRWA about the baseless item.
"There is so much false reporting and politically-motivated analysis, that I would urge audiences to view allegations about UNRWA's neutrality with a critical eye", said UNRWA Spokesperson Chris Gunness. "And I would ask all editors to check with us before issuing these sorts of reports. We take exhaustive steps to ensure the neutrality of our facilities and if reports are to be balanced and credible, this needs to be reflected."
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Background information
UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight.
UNRWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.
For more information, please contact:
Christopher Gunness
UNRWA Spokesperson
Mobile: +972 (0)54 240 2659
Office: +972 (0)2 589 0267
c.gunness@unrwa.org
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