The top United Nations aid official warns that the people of Gaza are experiencing anxiety and living in fear due to the potential Israeli attack on Rafah.
According to Philippe Lazzarini, individuals are feeling worried and scared about the potential for a major military action. This statement was made after attending a meeting with UN Geneva Member States.
In the event of an attack, the concern is, “Where can the civilians seek refuge?” Sadly, there is no longer any secure location in Rafah and there is worry that there will be a significant rise in casualties.
After more than four months of fighting, sparked by murderous Hamas-led attacks on 7 October in Israel that left some 1,200 people butchered and more than 250 taken hostage, more than 100,000 Gazans have been reported either killed, injured or are missing under the rubble by the local health authority, amid intense Israeli bombardment.
Sea of displacement
According to Mr. Lazzarini, it is not realistic to ask the over one million displaced individuals living in Rafah governorate to relocate once again just for the purpose of allowing Israeli forces to search for Hamas militants.
He stated that they have been instructed to relocate, but the issue is where to relocate to. He pointed out that in Rafah, all available land within a 20-kilometre distance is already inhabited by hundreds of thousands of individuals residing in temporary plastic shelters.
Addressing the accusations of collaboration between certain UNRWA employees and Hamas, the head of the agency stated that he promptly dismissed those responsible and launched an inquiry. Mr. Lazzarini further urged for the cooperation of Israeli authorities.
Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s director, speaking with the press at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva.
The Commissioner-General of UNRWA mentioned that tomorrow, the UN Secretary-General will begin reviewing accusations made against the agency. These accusations pertain to its utilization of social media, involvement with tunnels, and political associations, as well as its level of responsiveness to these issues.
The procedure is expected to last approximately two months, and it should include an investigation into the Israeli military’s allegation that Hamas utilized a tunnel and data center located 20 meters beneath UNRWA’s headquarters in Gaza City, according to Mr. Lazzarini.
Installations hit
“We must examine all instances in which the United Nations premises have been blatantly disregarded. Throughout the course of the conflict, over 150 of our installations have been targeted. We are aware that some of these installations have been completely demolished, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries. It is imperative that a thorough investigation is conducted by an independent body to address not only these incidents, but also the alleged presence of a tunnel.”
The Permanent Ambassador of Israel to the UN in Geneva, Meirav Eilon Shahar, stated that their government has no intention of causing harm to civilians in Gaza and is willing to cooperate with the investigation into UNRWA. However, they are still at war with the terrorist group Hamas.
The Ambassador stated that their battle is against Hamas and not the Palestinian population. He also argued that there are other options besides UNRWA, but Mr. Lazzarini disagreed and believed that it would be unwise to shut down the agency while humanitarian leaders and organizations are urging for increased aid to Gaza.
Future at risk
“The UNWRA director expressed the pressing need to reintegrate half a million young girls and boys, who have been deeply affected by trauma, into the education system. He emphasized that this cannot be achieved through a newly formed local government and that no other agency or NGO has the necessary experience in providing government-like services, such as education, to such a large number of children.”
In order to promote the success of any potential future transition, it is important for the international community to have the necessary resources, such as UNRWA.
Secretary-General’s warning
In New York, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, expressed worry regarding the worsening situation and safety concerns for providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
In a statement to the media before a meeting with the Security Council, he acknowledged the disruption of public order in the enclave.
The speaker mentioned that Israel’s restrictions are hindering humanitarian efforts and need improvement. However, the mechanisms in place to safeguard aid delivery during humanitarian operations are not effective.
He was optimistic that talks about freeing hostages and finding a way to stop hostilities would be fruitful, preventing a full-scale attack in Rafah. This area is crucial to the humanitarian system and any harm would be catastrophic.
Mr. Guterres expressed deep concern over the high number of journalists who have lost their lives in the Gaza conflict.
He emphasized the importance of freedom of the press in enabling the public to be informed about global events.
The source is from the United Nations news website.
