Recognition of Palestine meaningless without Gaza ceasefire: Lazzarini
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The UNRWA chief stresses that recognition alone brings no immediate relief to displaced people living under siege.
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The Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, addresses the United Nations Security Council meeting at UN Headquarters, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP)
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini warned that international recognition of Palestine carries little weight without an immediate Gaza ceasefire, as civilians continue to endure bombardment and siege.
Speaking to the British BBC on Monday, Lazzarini stressed that while the recent wave of recognition is a welcome step, it must go beyond symbolism and lead to genuine political progress. "Recognition should be a turning point and lead to the beginning of a peace process in the region," he said.
His remarks came after Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal officially recognized the State of Palestine, with more countries expected to follow suit during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
While welcome, the recognition of a Palestinian State doesn’t mean much if there isn’t a ceasefire in #Gaza, I told @BBCJLandale @BBCNews on the margins of #UNGA80.
— Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) September 22, 2025
The recognition must be followed by a genuine commitment to a peace process in the region.#CeasefireNow
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'Two-state solution' still relevant
Addressing doubts about the viability of a "two-state solution", Lazzarini affirmed it remains the legitimate right of the Palestinian people. "The two-state solution is still the right of the Palestinians for self-determination. It is the concept that would allow Palestinians to live in their homeland, Palestine," he explained to the BBC.
Although the concept has been stagnant for years, he expressed hope that recent regional developments might serve as a "wake-up call" to push forward and finally make it a reality.
Civilians in Gaza need more than recognition
Turning to the situation inside Gaza, Lazzarini underlined that recognition alone brings no immediate relief to people living under siege and displacement. "For the time being, it doesn't mean anything as long as there is not a genuine ceasefire," he said, adding that people in Gaza hope recognition will encourage the international community to double efforts to stop the war.
He noted that beyond urgent needs such as food, shelter, and security, civilians also need the hope of a political horizon. "Anyone trying to survive needs to believe there will be a better future, because if you do not have this kind of belief, what remains? No hope in this hell."
Asked whether recognition could backfire by provoking "Israel" and complicating humanitarian aid delivery, Lazzarini acknowledged there would be political repercussions. "There will be reaction, no doubt. But recognition must be accompanied by a genuine commitment to invest in a peace process in the region," he concluded.
