UNRWA, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, will continue its work in Gaza – despite Israel’s ban on the organization.
– We will however stay and deliver, explains the organization’s director Philippe Lazzarini.
Last autumn, Netanyahu’s government decided to ban the UN organization from conducting any activities in Israel or occupied East Jerusalem. The Israeli government justified the decision with accusations that UNRWA was linked to Hamas and that UNRWA staff participated in the 7 October attacks – accusations that the organization itself denies.
However, the Swiss Philippe Lazzarini, who currently heads the refugee agency, declares that it will not accept the ban, which comes into effect at the end of the month. On the contrary, UNRWA will continue its relief work in Gaza as far as practically possible.
– UNRWA’s local staff will remain and continue to provide emergency assistance and, where possible, education and primary healthcare, he explained.
“UNRWA will stay & deliver”
We will continue to provide services across all of the occupied Palestinian territory including in #Gaza.If implemented, the Knesset bills on UNRWA will deprive Palestine Refugees of lifesaving assistance and access to primary health & education.
https://t.co/iGBoiRIeFJ— UNRWA (@UNRWA) January 15, 2025
“Withdraw under protest”
Meanwhile, it is understood that Israel will refuse to issue visas to international UN staff, making it virtually impossible for them to enter Gaza.
– These staff will be compelled to withdraw under protest, it says.
Lazzarini further stresses that aid workers are already being threatened and harassed by Israeli authorities and that threats against UNRWA staff are expected to increase further in the future.
He warns that the complete disappearance of the refugee agency from the Palestinian territories will only add to the suffering and misery already endured by the civilian population.