The head of the UN agency, UNRWA, has issued a warning that the organization is on the verge of reaching its limit. He stated that the agency is facing unprecedented challenges and is struggling to meet the needs of those it serves.
In a written correspondence to the President of the United Nations General Assembly, the individual stated that the agency’s mission is in danger and its ability to carry out said mission is at risk.
He stated that within a little over four months in Gaza, there have been a higher number of child fatalities, journalist fatalities, medical personnel fatalities, and UN staff fatalities than any other conflict in the world.
According to him, over 390 people have been killed and 1,300 injured as a result of bombardment on more than 150 UNRWA buildings.
He recalled that UN experts had warned of an impending famine.
Highlighting Israel’s allegations in January against 12 UNRWA staffers accusing them of involvement in the horrific 7 October terror attack, Mr. Lazzarini also reminded that he had immediately dismissed those accused in good faith, yet, “to date, no evidence has been shared by Israel with UNRWA.”
The suspension of financial assistance from 16 donor countries, amounting to $450 million, will result in a significant impact on UNRWA operations in the Middle East starting in March unless new funding is secured.
Deliberate misinformation
According to Mr. Lazzarini, there has been a deliberate attempt by certain Israeli leaders to falsely equate UNRWA with Hamas, disrupt the agency’s activities, and advocate for its dissolution in the past few weeks.
He stated that these actions have resulted in potential safety hazards for staff members, hindered their ability to support Palestinian civilians, and rendered it unable to operate without approval from the host country.
He expressed concern that we may be on the brink of a catastrophic event that could have serious consequences for peace, security, and human rights in the region.
He stated that it is commonly recognized that UNRWA plays a crucial role in protecting the rights and security of both Palestinians and Israelis by fulfilling a stabilizing function and offering lifesaving humanitarian aid.
A fundamental decision
According to Mr. Lazzarini, Israel’s request for closure was not related to concerns about neutrality, but rather aimed to alter the established political boundaries for peace in the occupied Palestinian Territory.
He stated that the General Assembly must make a critical choice. They can either disregard UNRWA without involving Palestinians in political discussions and reaching an agreement, or they can use this crisis as an opportunity for promoting peace.
“In which case I urge the General Assembly to provide the political support necessary to sustain UNRWA”, or to create a path for UNRWA to “transition immediately into a long-overdue political solution that can bring peace to Palestinians and Israelis.”
He urged the General Assembly to continue supporting the agency, but also proposed a new funding system that would eliminate the need for voluntary contributions, which can be influenced by political factors.
Source: news.un.org
