Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi reaffirmed his country's continuing support for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, despite a campaign spearheaded by "Israeli" charges against the institution.

In a joint news conference with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, Safadi expressed that UNRWA is "fulfilling its duty in Gaza despite the aggression on the Strip," explaining that its role in the area cannot be "replaced or dispensed with by any other entity."

He went on to say that UNRWA has all the tools it needs to ensure that it follows all work principles, ethics, and UN charters and regulations, citing an investigation by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, which discovered that "Israel" possesses no evidence of UNRWA collaborating with the Palestinian Resistance.

Safadi described what he called a “political assassination attempt” following October 7, detailing that all accusations made by the Israeli occupation have no evidence.

Still, the agency "faces significant financial challenges,” he remarked. 

Safadi claimed that supporting UNRWA is a "consistent Jordanian" priority for the Jordanian King, Abdullah II.

Moreover, the Jordanian Foreign Minister called for an international probe into Israeli “war crimes” in the besieged Gaza Strip, saying those responsible for documented crimes should be brought to justice.

"Many and documented war crimes have been committed in the Gaza Strip,” Safadi said.

“We demand a comprehensive international investigation, which will stop these war crimes and which will bring to justice those responsible for these crimes or prove who is responsible for these crimes,” he added.

On his part, the UNRWA chief thanked Jordan for its support for the agency and its solidarity with Palestinian refugees.

Lazzarini stressed that despite all the international community's calls, "Israel" invaded and attacked the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah on May 6, with half of Gaza's population forced to flee.

He pointed out that there are currently no crossings to transport aid into the Strip.

Lazzarini noted that "198 UNRWA employees were killed, 160 sites were completely or partially destroyed, and employees were arrested, tortured, and forced to confess to crimes they did not commit," Xinhua reported.

Israeli claims of 'safe', 'humanitarian' zones 'false': UNRWA chief

Over 800,000 Palestinians have been forced to flee yet again to "so-called safe zones" since "Israel" began its incursion in Rafah, UNRWA Chief Philippe Lazzarini said yesterday.

He lamented the numerous times that the people of Gaza have been forcibly displaced in a post on X, leaving them exposed and without "safe passage or protection," detailing how every time, they have to leave everything behind and begin their lives anew. 

To make matters worse, he noted that most areas that people are fleeing to now lack safe water or sanitation and even basic emergency humanitarian assistance.

Lazzarini added that al-Mawassi, which he described as a sandy 14-kilometer land with "little to no buildings or roads" and lacking "minimal conditions to provide emergency humanitarian assistance in a safe and dignified manner," held some 400,000 people before the invasion of Rafah.

"The humanitarian community does not have any more supplies to give out, including food and other basic items. "

In addition, he emphasized that lack of fuel, unstable telecommunication, and continued airstrikes render the much-needed delivery of aid "almost impossible".

Lazzarini urged the reopening of crossings and safe access to the same routes, citing that if they are not reopened, "the deprivation of assistance and catastrophic humanitarian conditions will persist."

Humanitarian help must be delivered quickly and unhindered to all citizens in need, no matter where they are, the chief emphasized, adding that food, shelter, and safety are essential for the displaced.

He also called for the preservation of civilian life and urged a necessary ceasefire and the avoidance of further escalation, explaining that it would deprive those affected of the peace they deserve. 

Once again, nearly half of the population of Rafah or 800,000 people are on the road, having been forced to flee since the Israeli Forces started the military operation in the area on 6 May.  
In response to evacuation orders demanding people to flee to so-called safe zones,…

— Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) May 18, 2024