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During a briefing held in New York, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed serious concerns about recent legislative changes in Israel that threaten the stability and humanitarian efforts in Palestine. He warned that these new laws could endanger the lives of millions of Palestinians and jeopardize the fragile ceasefire currently in place in Gaza.
According to Lazzarini, the legislation mandates UNRWA to halt all activities within the territory recognized as part of Israel, which includes the occupied regions of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, contrary to international law. Furthermore, it restricts any governmental engagement with the agency or its representatives.
“Implementing these restrictions on our operations during a time of political impasse will not only undermine the ceasefire but also hinder the recovery processes in Gaza,” Lazzarini stated emphatically. He urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take decisive action to support ongoing peace and stability efforts in the region.
Potential Catastrophe
Mr. Lazzarini highlighted the dire consequences that could arise if the Knesset legislation is fully enforced. He noted that disrupting UNRWA’s operations would severely impact the international humanitarian response in Gaza, particularly at a time when the necessity for ramped-up humanitarian assistance is crucial.
“This will exacerbate the already dire living conditions faced by millions of Palestinians,” he warned.
During his address to the Security Council, Lazzarini reaffirmed the unique role that UNRWA plays in delivering essential services to Palestine refugees, a function established through a UN General Assembly resolution awaiting a lasting political resolution. For a deeper understanding of the Gaza conflict’s effects on UNRWA services, click here.
He elaborated that the organization’s extensive reach and established trust within local communities cannot simply be replicated by other entities. “The presence of UNRWA is pivotal for maintaining some semblance of stability amid ongoing turmoil,” he articulated. “Undermining the agency would jeopardize both recovery efforts in Gaza and the broader quest for peace.”
Particularly concerning is East Jerusalem, where the legislation proposes the immediate removal of UNRWA, threatening the livelihoods of 70,000 patients and 1,000 students who rely on its health and educational services. Lazzarini pointed out that these developments coincide with ongoing plans to expand illegal settlements on land currently occupied by the agency.
Financial and Political Hurdles
The situation is further complicated by significant financial pressures, as key donors have started to decrease or halt their support. Lazzarini called for immediate funding to maintain UNRWA’s essential services, cautioning that a lack of resources could abruptly curtail its lifesaving initiatives.
He also brought attention to a systematic disinformation campaign orchestrated by Israeli officials, falsely portraying UNRWA as an entity supporting terrorism. This narrative, he argued, undermines the agency’s neutrality and poses dangers to its personnel.
Urgent Appeal for Action
In closing, Lazzarini appealed to members of the Security Council to oppose the Knesset legislation, secure ongoing funding for UNRWA, and support efforts towards a meaningful political solution for the plight of Palestine refugees.
“UNRWA was always envisioned as a temporary solution,” he emphasized. “A fair and enduring political resolution would ultimately allow the agency to fulfill its mandate, facilitating a transition of its vital services to a functioning Palestinian state.”
Further updates to follow…
Source
news.un.org