The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees is vowing to continue operations in Jerusalem, despite Israeli plans to oust the agency's operations from the city.
Last week, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat announced his plan to end the Jerusalem operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and to replace them with Israeli services.
UNRWA has faced a dire financial crisis since the U.S. announced it was cutting aid to it earlier this year, calling it an "irredeemably flawed operation" with an "endlessly and exponentially expanding community of entitled beneficiaries."
Barkat tweeted that the U.S. decision had created an opportunity to change the current situation, which he said would otherwise "perpetuate the 'refugee problem' and encourage incitement."
In response, UNRWA issued a statement expressing concern about "recent statements made by the mayor of Jerusalem on its operations and installations in east Jerusalem."
It said the organization provides essential education, health, relief and social services in east Jerusalem, which Palestinians envision as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
Barkat said that under his plan, the municipality would take over education, welfare and health services.
"We provide services for all residents alike – there are no refugees in our city," he said.
