UNRWA head warns of ‘insidious’ Israeli campaign to dismantle agency

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UNRWA Head Warns of ‘Insidious’ Israeli Campaign to Dismantle Agency

The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has issued a warning about Israel’s efforts to dismantle the agency amidst a humanitarian crisis in the bombarded and besieged Gaza Strip. Philippe Lazzarini, addressing the UN Security Council, emphasized the crucial nature of UNRWA’s work and appealed for protection. He highlighted the devastating consequences if Israel’s campaign is successful.

Quick Facts

  • UNRWA head warns of Israeli campaign to dismantle agency amidst humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
  • Israel accused of relentless bombing and merciless siege, leading to a man-made famine in Gaza.
  • UNRWA faces pressure over allegations of staff involvement in attacks led by Palestinian group Hamas.

Addressing the UN Security Council, Lazzarini emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that Israel’s relentless bombing and merciless siege have led to a man-made famine in Gaza. He highlighted the denial of aid delivery by UNRWA, despite consecutive orders by the International Court of Justice to increase the flow of aid into Gaza. Lazzarini also called attention to the targeting of UNRWA premises and employees in Gaza, with a total of 178 UNRWA personnel killed since the start of the war.

The briefing took place amidst pressure on UNRWA over Israeli allegations of staff involvement in attacks led by Palestinian group Hamas. Lazzarini emphasized the lack of evidence provided by Israel to support these claims and highlighted the ongoing investigations into the matter. He also noted the reluctance of some countries, including the United States, to reinstate their funding for UNRWA during what he described as a “seismic change” in the Middle East.

During the Security Council meeting, Israel’s UN representative claimed that UNRWA, not Israel, is responsible for creating a sea of Palestinian refugees. Lazzarini countered this by emphasizing the role of UNRWA in delivering assistance at scale, particularly in the absence of a political solution to the displacement of Palestinians. He also highlighted the calls for the closure of UNRWA as an attempt to end the refugee status of millions of Palestinians.

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