UNRWA Chief Vows to Protect Agency Amid Intense Criticism and Attacks

Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner general of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), has pledged to safeguard the agency in the face of unprecedented challenges and fierce attacks aimed at weakening or even dismantling its operations, particularly in Gaza. Lazzarini revealed that 18 countries are currently reviewing or have frozen their contributions to UNRWA, while an open campaign is underway calling for the total dismantlement of the agency's activities in Gaza and possibly beyond.

Addressing the gravity of the situation, Lazzarini stated, "Never before has UNRWA been under such an attack. Our staff and the communities we serve are deeply anxious about the possibility of the agency being weakened or even dismantled." He believes that the attacks on UNRWA are not genuinely motivated by concerns about staff neutrality but rather by the primary objective of stripping Palestinians of their refugee status.

Lazzarini urged the UN Security Council to order an independent investigation into incidents where UN premises, staff, and operations in the Gaza Strip have been disregarded, emphasizing the need for those responsible to be held accountable. Despite the challenges, the UNRWA chief remains determined to protect the agency and ensure its ability to continue providing vital aid and development services to Palestinian refugees.

Why this matters: The ongoing attacks on UNRWA and the potential weakening or dismantlement of its operations could have severe consequences for the well-being and rights of Palestinian refugees. The situation highlights the complex political dynamics surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the crucial role of international organizations in providing humanitarian assistance.

In a recent briefing to journalists in New York, Lazzarini reiterated his commitment to implementing the recommendations of an independent review panel led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. The report found that while UNRWA has robust procedures in place to uphold neutrality, there are gaps in implementation that need to be addressed. Lazzarini expressed hope that more countries will restore their support for UNRWA in the wake of the report and the measures being put in place to strengthen the agency's neutrality and effectiveness.

Key Takeaways

• UNRWA chief pledges to safeguard agency amid unprecedented challenges and attacks.
• 18 countries reviewing or freezing contributions to UNRWA, with calls for its dismantling.
• Lazzarini urges UN Security Council to investigate incidents of disregard for UN premises and staff.
• Independent review found gaps in UNRWA's implementation of neutrality procedures, which are being addressed.
• Weakening or dismantling UNRWA could have severe consequences for Palestinian refugees' well-being and rights.