UNRWA Chief: Ceasefire Marks a Beginning, Not a Solution
Speaking at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), underscored that the recently brokered ceasefire is just the beginning in addressing the region’s profound humanitarian issues.
He joined UN Secretary-General António Guterres in urging all parties to adhere fully to the ceasefire and ensure unhindered humanitarian access to alleviate urgent needs.
“UNRWA stands ready to support the international response by expanding aid delivery,” Lazzarini said.
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Threat Posed by Knesset Legislation
Lazzarini warned of the potential repercussions of proposed Knesset legislation aimed at ending UNRWA’s operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He emphasized that such a move would have devastating consequences, particularly in Gaza, where UNRWA serves as the cornerstone of humanitarian aid.
“The collapse of the agency would exacerbate the breakdown of social order,” said Lazzarini, adding that dismantling UNRWA outside a structured political process would “undermine the ceasefire, hinder Gaza’s recovery, and destabilize the political transition.”
He noted that UNRWA’s unique mandate—providing essential services such as education and primary healthcare—cannot be replaced without the establishment of a fully functional state.
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Disinformation Campaign Undermining UNRWA
The Commissioner-General also condemned an ongoing disinformation campaign targeting the agency.
“Billboards and advertisements accusing UNRWA of terrorism have appeared in cities like New York, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel,” he revealed.
Such propaganda, he noted, endangers UNRWA staff, intensifies harassment, and “erodes trust in the international community’s ability to act in good faith.”
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The Need for a Political Framework
Looking ahead, Lazzarini stressed the importance of transitioning UNRWA’s responsibilities within a clearly defined political framework, as proposed by the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
“There is a critical choice before us,” he said. “We can either allow UNRWA to disintegrate under the weight of Knesset legislation and suspended donor funding, or we can work towards a gradual conclusion of the agency's mandate within a political framework.”
He emphasized that this transition must involve collaboration with empowered Palestinian institutions to prevent chaos and ensure the continuity of vital services.
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Collaboration with the Palestinian Authority
UNRWA continues to work closely with the Palestinian Authority to address urgent healthcare and education needs in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The agency remains the largest provider of primary healthcare in Gaza, conducting approximately 17,000 medical consultations per day. In the West Bank, UNRWA is the second-largest healthcare provider after Palestinian authorities.
On education, Lazzarini highlighted the critical role the agency plays in securing a future for Palestinian children, many of whom are currently living amidst the devastation in Gaza.
“If we fail to resume education in Gaza and stabilize it in the West Bank, we risk losing an entire generation of Palestinian children,” he cautioned.
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An Urgent Call for Support
Concluding his remarks, Lazzarini issued an urgent appeal for financial support. He called on donor nations to increase contributions, expedite the release of allocated funds, and reconsider any funding that has been frozen.
Without immediate financial relief, the Commissioner-General warned, UNRWA’s ability to sustain its life-saving operations would be in jeopardy.
He further disclosed that he had urged the UN Security Council to take decisive action to prevent the termination of UNRWA’s mission and avert a deeper humanitarian crisis in the region.
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A Critical Moment for UNRWA
UNRWA now stands at a crossroads, navigating complex humanitarian, political, and financial challenges. As the agency works to deliver essential services and safeguard the future of Palestinian refugees, its survival hinges on global solidarity and decisive political action. Without adequate funding and support, the lives and futures of millions of vulnerable individuals hang in the balance.
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