International organizations: Hamas has not interfered in our work
“Our operations in Gaza have not been subject to any coercion that has interfered with our in-conflict and humanitarian operations,” says NRC spokesperson.
By ADAM RASGONUpdated: AUGUST 10, 2016 02:36A Palestinian refugee knocks on the closed gate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters with his walking stick(photo credit: REUTERS)
The Shin Bet last week accused Hamas of infiltrating World Vision, an international humanitarian organization, and instructing an employee to funnel millions of dollars into its coffers. On Tuesday, the Shin Bet claimed Hamas exploited an employee of the United Nations Development Program, using him to build projects that benefit Hamas’s armed wing.In the wake of these incidents, other international organizations operating in Gaza tell The Jerusalem Post Hamas has not interfered in their work.“Our operations in Gaza have not been subject to any coercion that has interfered with our in-conflict and humanitarian operations,” said a spokesman for the Norwegian Refugee Council, which mainly advocates for the rights of displaced persons.“We have a due diligence process that has not changed since the recent events. This process entails senior management handling resources and regular visits and oversight,” the spokesman added.The World Health Organization, which supports development and health programs in Gaza, suggested that Hamas has not interfered in the WHO’s work.“As a UN organization, our office strictly follows the WHO rules and regulations, with constant oversight and monitoring of ongoing operations,” said Gerald Rockenschaub, the head of the WHO office in Jerusalem.“We use every opportunity, including the recent reports from Gaza, to evaluate whether additional mitigation measures need to be put in place.”Hamas has rejected accusations that it exploited international organizations, claiming they are a ploy to tighten the blockade on Gaza.