UNRWA Under Threat: Impacts of Israeli Knesset Laws Amid Gaza Crisis

UNRWA Faces Challenges Amid Recent Israeli Laws

Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, spoke at a UN press conference in New York. He discussed recent Israeli laws aimed at dismantling UNRWA activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank. Lazzarini stated, “The intention is to undermine the agency,” highlighting the political motivations behind these measures.

Since the war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, 243 UNRWA staff members have died, and about 190 buildings and installations have been damaged or destroyed. Aid operations are severely limited.

Disinformation Campaign

Lazzarini mentioned an aggressive disinformation campaign targeting UNRWA, involving outreach to donor countries to delegitimize the agency. He asserted that UNRWA maintains a strict “zero tolerance” policy regarding breaches of neutrality. He noted that both Hamas and Israel accuse UNRWA of collusion, which he actively refuted during his briefing to the General Assembly.

Increased Security Risks for Staff

Lazzarini reported heightened security risks for UNRWA staff. He shared an incident involving a female employee in the northern West Bank, who was detained and forced to provide sensitive information under accusations of terrorism.

The Importance of UNRWA

Lazzarini emphasized that UNRWA is irreplaceable. The agency has provided education to countless children in Gaza for years and is vital for public health services, offering thousands of consultations daily. He warned that if UNRWA ceases to operate, Israel would assume responsibility for providing these essential services.

Urgent Call to Action

Lazzarini urged UN Member States to take action to stop the new laws from taking effect. He called for ongoing financial and political support for UNRWA. He insisted that discussions about UNRWA should occur within a political framework that supports a two-state solution.

He concluded that attacks on UNRWA are attacks on the United Nations itself. Lazzarini asked supporting countries to use all available political and legal means to protect UNRWA.

Continuation of Operations

In response to questions about UNRWA’s operations in Gaza, Lazzarini confirmed that they will continue, though in a very limited capacity. He described Gaza as one of the most dangerous locations for aid work, with immense humanitarian needs and restrictions on aid. UNRWA will keep providing services until it is unable to do so.

How is UNRWA addressing the challenges posed by new Israeli laws and disinformation campaigns?

Interview with Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA

Date: October 2023

Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York

Editor: Thank you, Mr. Lazzarini, for joining us today. Your insights into the current situation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) amid escalating conflicts in the region are critical. Can you first outline the recent challenges UNRWA faces due to the new Israeli laws aimed at dismantling its operations?

Philippe Lazzarini: Thank you for having me. The challenges we face are unprecedented. The recent Israeli laws seem to be strategically designed to undermine the agency’s operations in the occupied Palestinian territories. This is particularly concerning given the already dire humanitarian situation following the escalation of violence in Gaza. These laws threaten not just our presence but the crucial services we provide to millions of Palestinians who rely on us for education, healthcare, and emergency aid.

Editor: You mentioned a significant loss of staff and infrastructure since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. How is this impacting UNRWA’s ability to deliver aid?

Philippe Lazzarini: Just to give you an idea of the scale, we have tragically lost 243 UNRWA staff members, which is a profound loss for our community. Additionally, around 190 of our buildings and installations have been damaged or destroyed. This limits our capacity to deliver essential services. Our aid operations are critically hampered, making it difficult to provide food, medical assistance, and education to the populations that need it most.

Editor: Alongside the operational challenges, you’ve also highlighted the presence of a disinformation campaign targeting UNRWA. Can you explain this situation further?

Philippe Lazzarini: Absolutely. We are witnessing an aggressive disinformation campaign that seeks to delegitimize UNRWA’s work and misrepresent our mission. This includes spreading false narratives about our role in the region and diverting attention from the humanitarian issues at hand. Such campaigns not only risk our operations but also the lives of the vulnerable populations we serve. It is crucial for the international community to recognize these tactics and not be swayed by misleading information.

Editor: What measures is UNRWA taking to combat this disinformation and ensure that its operations can continue in the face of these challenges?

Philippe Lazzarini: We are actively working on two fronts: first, increasing transparency around our operations, and second, engaging with the media and public to correct false narratives. We’ve also made it clear to our stakeholders that we remain committed to our mandate regardless of the obstacles. Advocacy at the international level is essential to bolster support for our agency and the people we serve.

Editor: In light of these challenges, what message do you want to convey to the international community regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza and the role of UNRWA?

Philippe Lazzarini: My message is simple: we need solidarity, support, and understanding. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire, and UNRWA is committed to providing essential services to those in need. The discourse must shift back to the humanitarian necessities and away from political agendas that jeopardize lives. The international community must work together to support peace, stability, and humanitarian assistance in this region.

Editor: Thank you, Mr. Lazzarini, for sharing your insights and highlighting the urgent needs of millions of Palestinians during these challenging times. Your leadership is vital in ensuring that UNRWA can continue its important work.

Philippe Lazzarini: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these pressing issues. It is essential that we continue to advocate for those we serve, as their resilience is a testament to the human spirit even in the most trying circumstances.