Due to a lack of evidence, the United Nations has ended or suspended investigations into five of the UN staff members who Israel had accused of involvement in the attacks on Oct 7, 2023, said a UN spokesman on Friday.
Israel alleged in January that 12 staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) were involved in the attacks in southern Israel that sparked the ongoing conflict in the Gaza strip.
Speaking at a press conference, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, outlined the investigations carried out by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).
According to Dujarric, one staffer's case has been closed, while the cases of four others have been suspended due to a lack of evidence from the Israeli side.
The investigation into the remaining staffers is still underway, said Dujarric, adding that the independent review report was made public on April 20.
UN ends, suspends probes into five staffers allegedly involved in attacks on Israel for lack of evidence
China's decision to extend visa exemption entry for citizens from 12 countries, including France, Germany, and Italy, for short-term visits until the end of 2025 has been warmly welcomed by Germans from all walks of life.
They believe this extension will further enhance economic and trade cooperation, as well as foster understanding and friendship between the two sides.
In the media field, people view China as a significant trade partner and investment destination. They believe that this measure will further encourage German companies to actively engage in the Chinese market, providing more opportunities for mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.
"I am not alone. Businesspeople in Germany and other countries warmly welcome the extension of the visa-free policy, as it simplifies related procedures and makes our plans more flexible. This is good news that we have been waiting for, as we can now plan ahead for 2025," said Guntram, a media practitioner.
Some German personages held that China's speedy tourism recovery has injected powerful confidence and impetus into global tourism revitalization. The enforcement of a series of measures in tourism reflects China's enthusiastic welcome to international tourists.
"I am very happy about China's visa-free policy for Germans. It provides a strong impetus to German tourism. Both travel agencies and airlines welcome China's visa-free policy. We are eager to explore more of China's tourism opportunities. Germany boasts unlimited potential in this regard. I believe that every German should visit China at least once in their lifetime," said Mayer, manager of a German public relations agency.
"We have seen a large number of tourists booking two-week trips to China. Therefore, this visa-free policy is extremely successful. I hope more Germans and Europeans will visit China and gain an understanding of this diverse and charming country, as many of them lack knowledge about it," said Bohlander, manager of a German tourism company.
People across Germany happy with China's extension of visa-free policy
