Amman: The United Nations Security Council held a session on Tuesday regarding the Question of Palestine and UNRWA, during which members received a briefing from Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
According to Jordan News Agency, Lazzarini stated that the full implementation of the Israeli Knesset's legislation concerning UNRWA would be "catastrophic." He warned that reducing UNRWA's operations outside a political process, at a time when trust in the international community is extremely low, would undermine the ceasefire in Gaza.
He emphasized that the agency is essential to support the devastated population and maintain the ceasefire. However, within two days, operations in the occupied Palestinian territory will be disrupted as the legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset takes effect. He noted that the fate of millions of Palestinians, the ceasefire, and the prospects for a political solution that brings lasting peace and security are at stake.
The UN official explained that undermining UNRWA's operations in Gaza would jeopardize the international humanitarian response and weaken the UN's capacity at a time when humanitarian aid needs to be significantly increased, exacerbating the already catastrophic living conditions of millions of Palestinians.
He pointed out that the Israeli government claims UNRWA's services can be transferred to other entities, stressing that the agency's mandate to provide public services to entire populations is unique.
Lazzarini addressed the Israeli government's claim that UNRWA plays a minor role in delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza, clarifying that UNRWA constitutes half of the emergency response, while all other entities provide the other half.
He stated that Palestinians know and trust UNRWA. For them, UNRWA represents the doctors and nurses providing healthcare; the workers distributing food; and the mechanics and engineers building and repairing wells to ensure clean drinking water.
He added that ending the agency's operations in the occupied West Bank, where violence is escalating, would deprive Palestinian refugees of education and healthcare. He explained that in occupied East Jerusalem, the Israeli government has ordered UNRWA to vacate its premises and halt operations by Thursday, which would affect nearly 70,000 patients and over 1,000 students.