JERUSALEM,
May 27, 2015 (WAFA) – The Director of UNRWA operations in Gaza, Robert Turner,
announced his intentions to leave his post in mid-July, after serving with the
Agency since 1 May 2012, the UNRWA said in a press release.
“It’s
been the most rewarding and challenging three years of my professional life,”
said Turner. “If there is one lesson I take away, it is that the denial of
their right to a just and durable solution remains at the heart of their
humanitarian plight. But I refuse to yield to pessimism. Gaza is a place where
the human spirit has shown its indomitability time and time again.”
Turner
has served in Gaza through two conflicts. His term comes amid one of the most
severe financial crises the agency has seen in its history.
“Bob
(Turner)’s contribution has been extraordinary at a very demanding time for the
agency and the refugees we serve”, said UNRWA Commissioner General, Pierre
Krähenbühl. “His leadership of our response to the Gaza conflict last summer
rightly won UNRWA and his team in Gaza widespread admiration. I take this
opportunity to thank him on behalf of all of us in the Agency.”
M.N./T.R.
