UNRWA Chief warns agency shutdown could undermine Gaza ceasefire
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"At stake is the fate of millions of Palestinians, the ceasefire, and the prospects for a political solution that brings lasting peace and security," the agency's chief said.
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The Commissioner-General of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the UNRWA headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 (AP)
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is facing a critical moment as "Israel" demands the cessation of its operations in Gaza by January 30. Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA's chief, cautioned on Tuesday that halting the agency's activities could destabilize the fragile Gaza ceasefire and severely hamper efforts to rebuild the devastated Strip.
Speaking during a UN Security Council meeting on Palestine, Lazzarini addressed the looming deadline and warned of the potential repercussions. "And yet, in two days, our operations in the occupied Palestinian territory will be crippled, as legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset takes effect," he said. "At stake is the fate of millions of Palestinians, the ceasefire, and the prospects for a political solution that brings lasting peace and security."
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon confirmed "Israel's" position on Friday, stating that UNRWA must stop its activities and evacuate its premises. The demand is part of legislation recently passed by the Knesset, aimed at ending the agency's operations in the region.
Lazzarini reiterated the vital role UNRWA plays in Gaza, dismissing suggestions that its work could simply be handed over to other organizations. He pointed out that the agency delivers half of the emergency response in Gaza and described its efforts as irreplaceable.
Read more: Israeli evacuation orders contradict UN law: UNRWA
The UNRWA chief also addressed the high death toll in Gaza, stating that official figures provided by the Ministry of Health likely undercount the true number of fatalities. "The Gaza mortality figures that the Ministry of Health is giving are a 'minimum estimate,' with 46,000 deaths being likely an undercount by more than 40%," he noted.
In light of the escalating situation, Lazzarini called on the UN Security Council for "decisive intervention" to prevent the shutdown and rejected accusations that the agency is linked to Hamas.
I told the UN Security Council today:
— Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) January 28, 2025
Community acceptance is critical for the humanitarian response and maintaining the #ceasefire in #Gaza.
Palestinians trust @UNRWA.
For them, UNRWA is the doctors and nurses providing healthcare; the aid workers giving food; and the…
