The head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, has described the recent Gaza ceasefire as a critical first step in addressing the immense humanitarian crisis in the region. Speaking at a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Lazzarini underlined the need for immediate and unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza.

"We need rapid, unhindered and uninterrupted humanitarian access to respond to the tremendous suffering in Gaza. A ceasefire is only a starting point," he stated.

Legislation Threatens Essential Services

Lazzarini reaffirmed UNRWA's commitment to aiding Gaza's recovery, including resuming education services and continuing primary healthcare support. However, he issued a stark warning about impending legislation by the Israeli Knesset that could prevent UNRWA's operations in Palestinian Territories within two weeks, describing the potential impact as "catastrophic."

"In Gaza, it will massively weaken the international humanitarian response. This will immeasurably worsen already catastrophic living conditions," he cautioned.

The proposed legislation comes amid "Israel's" efforts to discredit UNRWA and promote the transfer of its services to other entities. Lazzarini dismissed these claims, asserting, "The Agency's mandate and capacity to provide public-like services to an entire population are unique. UNRWA's ability to directly provide education and primary healthcare far exceeds that of any other entity. These services can only be transferred to a functioning State."

He stressed that dismantling UNRWA could have severe repercussions, including undermining the ceasefire and jeopardizing Gaza's recovery efforts. "The disintegration of the Agency will intensify the breakdown of social order," he said, adding that such a move would erode trust in the international community and harm Palestinians' future prospects.

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Palestinian Authority Lacks Resources to Replace UNRWA

Highlighting the financial and operational struggles faced by the Palestinian Authority, Lazzarini noted, "The Palestinian Authority in the Occupied West Bank Territories does not have the financial resources or capacity to compensate for the loss of UNRWA's services."

He also addressed the disinformation campaign allegedly led by the Israeli occupation against UNRWA, stating, "Intense diplomatic lobbying by the Government of Israel and affiliates has targeted parliaments and governments in top donor countries." He pointed out that advertisements discrediting the Agency, reportedly funded by "Israel's" Foreign Ministry, have appeared in various cities, including New York.

"This propaganda endangers our staff in the Occupied West Bank and in Gaza – where 269 colleagues have already been killed," he remarked, further criticizing the allocation of $150 million by "Israel's" Foreign Ministry for such campaigns, a sum he noted is a significant portion of UNRWA's annual operating budget.

Security Council Must Prevent Collapse of UNRWA

Lazzarini urged the UN Security Council to act swiftly, calling for increased financial support and the prevention of the Knesset legislation's implementation. He described a dire choice for the international community: "We can allow UNRWA to implode because of the Knesset legislation and the suspension of funding by key donors. Or we can allow the Agency to progressively conclude its mandate within a political framework."

Reflecting on the ceasefire, he stressed its potential for fostering a political transition, underscoring UNRWA's indispensable role in Gaza. "Absent a full-fledged State, only UNRWA has the capacity to bring them back to learning," he stated, referring to the 650,000 children in Gaza who have been severely affected by the ongoing crisis.

Concluding his address, Lazzarini warned that failing to secure UNRWA's future would lead to the loss of a generation of Palestinian children and further destabilize the region. He appealed for urgent financial support and called for a renewed political framework to secure the Agency's ability to provide essential services.

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