On Wednesday’s NPR broadcast “Here and Now,” Juliet Touma, communications director for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), called for fundamental changes within the organization by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. I answered the call. “What we need now is to focus on the humanitarian response in Gaza,” multiple UNRWA officials said, responding to accusations that they took part in the October 7 attack, adding: “We are able to carry out our mission.” This includes further efforts by the Israeli authorities to ensure that this is the case.” And once the war is over, “then it may be a different discussion.”
asked co-host Deepa Fernandes. [relevant exchange begins around 4:30] “[T]US Ambassador calls for fundamental changes to UNRWA. Are you heeding that call and what changes are you willing to make? ”
Touma replied: “Look, I think what we need to do now is focus on the humanitarian response in Gaza. We’re on the verge of famine, so that’s our biggest concern. We know that there are areas of famine and famine in the United Nations. We cannot bring in enough supplies. We must do so. We should make more efforts to combat this. And once the war is over, we may have a different discussion.”
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