27 OCTOBER 2020
The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.
/…
Questions and Answers
/…
Question: Okay. My second question about Palestinian singer, Mohammed Assaf. He was Goodwill Ambassador for UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] for some time. He’s the winner of Arab Idol, and he came and performed here in the United Nations. He used to cross the bridge to the West Bank and perform repeatedly. He’s very popular, and he’s a nationalist, as well. So, Israel revoked his permission to enter the Palestinian territory for no reason except that he sings sometimes for the cities of Haifa, Acre and Nazareth. Is that a crime, in the view of the Secretary‑General?
Spokesman: I have… listen, let me take a look. I had not heard anything about… I remember the person in question, but let me take a look.
/…
For information media. Not an official record.
Document Sources: Security Council, United Nations Department of Global Communications, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Subject: Access and movement, Closures/Curfews/Blockades
Publication Date: 27/10/2020
URL source: https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/db201027