UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini (second from left) at a meeting of the Global Alliance for a Two-State Solution for Israel and Palestine. UNRWA chief calls for agency closure to be prevented Humanitarian Aid
In just two weeks, two laws will come into force aimed at ending the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the occupied Palestinian territory. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini reminded this while speaking on Wednesday in Oslo at the third meeting of the Global Alliance for a Two-State Solution for Israel and Palestine.
With the new legislation fully implemented, among other things, visas for foreign workers to enter and work in the occupied Palestinian territory will cease to be issued, Lazzarini noted.
Hostile Environment
“Nevertheless, we will remain and will fulfil our obligations. UNRWA local staff will continue to provide emergency assistance and, where possible, education and health services,” the head of the agency said.
At the same time, he said, Palestinian staff face significant risks due to the hostile environment created by the Israeli government’s disregard for international law. Lazzarini also noted the dangers posed by Israel’s significant financial and diplomatic investment in a disinformation campaign against UNRWA.
“Failure to operate in a secure environment and with full respect for the privileges and immunities of the United Nations will undermine the effectiveness of UNRWA’s operations and the trust of our donors,” the agency’s chief warned.
The International Community’s Choice
According to Lazzarini’s speech, the international community faces a choice: allow UNRWA to be destroyed or help the agency complete its mandate.
Read also:
How the War in Gaza has affected UNRWA’s ability to support Palestinians?
He recalled that UNRWA’s mandate was always intended to be temporary. The idea is that Palestinian government institutions should take over the provision of public services when this becomes possible. At the moment, the head of the agency emphasized, UNRWA continues to provide vital services in Gaza and the West Bank.
“I urge you to do everything possible to protect the agency from political attacks and financial problems that threaten to suddenly stop its life-saving work,” the Commissioner-General addressed the members of the Alliance.