UNRWA ban Israel/ Palestinian refugees UNRW/ Israel UNRWA conflict/ UNRWA services in Gaza/ Philippe Lazzarini UNRWA/ Newslooks/ RIYADH/ Saudi Arabia/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini warns that Israel’s ban on UNRWA will leave critical gaps in essential services for Palestinians, deepening suffering and instability in Gaza and the West Bank. The ban, which Israel just passed, could halt UNRWA operations within three months unless a solution is reached.
UNRWA’s Warning on Israel Ban: Quick Looks
- New Israeli law impact: Israel’s ban on UNRWA operations will disrupt critical aid in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Essential services at risk: UNRWA provides food, health care, and education for millions of Palestinians.
- UNRWA’s response: The agency seeks “creative ways” to continue support, urging Israel to reconsider.
- Historical significance: UNRWA has been providing for Palestinian refugees since 1948.
UN Agency Head: Ban on UNRWA Will Fuel Instability in Gaza
Deep Look
In a recent interview, Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), described Israel’s decision to ban UNRWA’s activities in Israel as a critical blow to Palestinians relying on essential services. Lazzarini warned that this legislation will create an “unimaginable vacuum” that will worsen instability and endanger lives, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, where UNRWA is the primary provider of aid and social services.
The legislation, passed by the Israeli parliament, effectively severs ties with UNRWA and could disrupt its work in the Palestinian territories, where it operates with Israel’s authorization. As the organization continues efforts to mitigate the impact, Lazzarini is appealing for support from international donors and the United Nations General Assembly, stressing the importance of UNRWA’s role in providing health care, education, and emergency shelter.
UNRWA’s Vital Role in Palestinian Aid
UNRWA is deeply embedded in Gaza’s infrastructure, acting as a lifeline for many Palestinians. The agency supports roughly 2.3 million people in Gaza, with tens of thousands of displaced residents seeking refuge in UNRWA-run schools amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The agency’s extensive network spans multiple sectors, offering health care, food, and education services in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.
Lazzarini emphasized the significant impact of the agency’s forced withdrawal, especially in a region where UNRWA provides not only essential services but also jobs, making it the largest employer in Gaza. “We have today 1 in 2 persons in Gaza below the age of 18,” Lazzarini stated, underscoring the potential harm to children. “Education has always been their path forward, and by removing UNRWA, we risk eliminating that opportunity.”
Israel’s Claims and UNRWA’s Defense
Israel asserts that UNRWA facilities and resources have been infiltrated by Hamas militants who allegedly use the agency’s services to conceal their activities. Though Israel cites concerns over misuse, officials have provided minimal evidence to support these claims. As part of its justification, Israel claimed that some UNRWA employees were involved in a Hamas-led attack in October 2023. The U.N. subsequently terminated nine staff members after an investigation found possible involvement in the attack, but UNRWA maintains that it acts swiftly against any suspected ties to militant activities.
Responding to the allegations, Lazzarini called for an independent investigation to verify these claims, which remain unconfirmed. He stated that without Israel’s cooperation, UNRWA is unable to address the accusations fully, as the agency has been restricted from inspecting certain areas and facilities due to the conflict.
International Concerns and Efforts to Reverse the Ban
Lazzarini has urged Israel to reconsider or at least extend the three-month grace period to avoid plunging Gaza and the West Bank into a humanitarian crisis. He has also called for support from international bodies to help UNRWA find alternative methods of delivering services in Gaza. Lazzarini’s appeal comes amid a Saudi-hosted conference where global leaders, including Arab and European foreign ministers, discussed possible solutions to the conflict and emphasized the need for sustained aid.
The international community has voiced concerns, with many countries supporting the agency’s ongoing work. Lazzarini pointed out that the newly passed Israeli law won’t alter Palestinian refugee status, a legal distinction established under international law, but it would severely undermine the refugees’ quality of life. In a letter to the United Nations, he noted that attempts to dismantle UNRWA are “essentially attacks on Palestinians’ rights to return to their homes” and to maintain a dignified existence.
Historical and Social Impact of UNRWA
Since its founding in 1948, UNRWA has served millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. The agency was established to aid Palestinians who fled or were expelled during the creation of Israel. Now, UNRWA provides crucial services to around 6 million Palestinian refugees, including their descendants.
The agency’s role goes beyond immediate relief; it sustains education, health care, and food security for families. In Gaza, particularly, UNRWA has been instrumental in providing for vulnerable populations, serving as a consistent force amid political and military turmoil. Lazzarini stressed that UNRWA’s educational programs have been vital for Palestinian youth, offering opportunities for a future even as geopolitical tensions persist.
UNRWA in the Context of Peace and Stability
At a Saudi-organized conference hosted by the Global Alliance for a Two-State Solution, Lazzarini highlighted UNRWA’s role in fostering regional stability. He argued that without UNRWA, “any future political transition would be destabilized.” In his view, if Israel’s ban leads to a collapse of UNRWA’s services, it could worsen the humanitarian crisis and make future peace efforts more challenging.
For now, Lazzarini remains focused on keeping UNRWA’s operations running, looking to international allies for support and hoping Israel will reconsider its stance. As the situation unfolds, the coming months will be crucial in determining the future of UNRWA’s role in the Palestinian territories and its impact on the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis.
