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Added on the 19/03/2024 18:11:40 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges the UN agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) to address allegations its staff were involved in attacking Israel, but distanced himself from calls for its end. "UNRWA has played and continues to play an absolutely indispensable role in trying to make sure that men, women and children who so desperately need assistance in Gaza actually get it," Blinken tells reporters. "That only underscores the importance of UNRWA tackling this as quickly as effectively and as thoroughly as possible," he says after the United States suspended funding. SOUNDBITE
The EU demands an "urgent" audit of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA and says it is reviewing funding, following Israeli allegations that some staff participated in Hamas's October 7 attack. The audit should be led by European Commission-appointed experts and be conducted alongside a UN investigation into the claims, commission spokesman Eric Mamer tells journalists. SOUNDBITE
Trucks loaded with humanitarian aid enter the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing. Ambulances carrying wounded wait to be let through to Egypt. IMAGES
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for "action to end this godawful nightmare" during the International Peace Summit in Cairo. SOUNDBITE
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators march in the streets of London, in solidarity with the Palestinians, holding flags, banners and chanting slogans. IMAGES