The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is sounded the alarm about the potentially catastrophic consequences of pending Israeli legislation that could dismantle its operations in Gaza and the West Bank. According to Philippe Lazzarini, the agency’s head, the Israeli government’s actions would leave hundreds of thousands of people in dire need, amidst ongoing war in the region. The legislation, if passed, would ban UNRWA from operating in Israeli territory and sever all contact between the government and the agency.
Created in 1949 to provide healthcare, education, and welfare services to Palestinian refugees, UNRWA is the primary provider of humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank. Lazzarini emphasized that the Israeli government’s actions violate international law and the United Nations Charter, as well as Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law. He urged the Security Council to protect the agency from arbitrary and premature termination, warning that any disruptions to UNRWA’s operations could have devastating consequences.
The agency’s crucial role in providing humanitarian services to six million registered refugees and their descendants in the region was highlighted by Lazzarini. He warned that the agency’s infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and shelter programs, could disintegrate if the Israeli legislation is adopted, leaving thousands of children and families without access to essential services. The UNRWA chief’s warning was echoed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who expressed “profound concern” about the proposed legislation and has written to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to urge caution.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu2 (Image via Getty)
UN humanitarian office director Lisa Doughten also emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that few times in recent history have witnessed such widespread suffering and destruction. The proposed legislation has been criticized by US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who expressed concern about the Israeli government’s actions limiting the delivery of goods into Gaza, including the closure of most border crossings in recent weeks. The US has announced that it is following the situation with “deep concern”, citing the significant distrust between Israel and UNRWA.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with over 42,000 Palestinians killed, including women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, the passage of the Israeli legislation would exacerbate the already-striking humanitarian crisis. This would further imperil the lives and well-being of countless Palestinians, who already rely heavily on UNRWA services to survive. The warning by the UNRWA chief is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of the proposed legislation, calling on the international community to take immediate action to prevent a humanitarian disaster.
