NEW YORK: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is experiencing its “darkest moment” in its 75-year history, said its Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini while pointing to legislative, operational, and security pressures from Israel.
Addressing a press conference at the UN Headquarters, Lazzarini criticized laws passed by the Israeli Knesset aimed at disrupting UNRWA operations in Gaza and the West Bank. “The intention is to undermine the agency,” he said, adding that these actions were politically motivated.
Since the war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, more than 240 UNRWA staff members have lost their lives, and nearly 190 buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Humanitarian aid efforts remain critically restricted.
The Commissioner-General also addressed what he called an “intense and aggressive disinformation campaign” designed to delegitimize UNRWA by influencing donor countries. “Despite these pressures, UNRWA upholds a zero-tolerance policy toward breaches of neutrality,” he asserted.
He pointed to the unique challenges faced by UNRWA, which is often accused of bias by both sides. While Hamas has accused the agency of “colluding” with Israel, Israel has repeatedly alleged infiltration by Hamas. Refuting these claims, Lazzarini said he had clarified the agency’s position in a briefing to UN Member States earlier in the day.
Lazzarini shared troubling incidents targeting UNRWA staff. He mentioned a female staff member in the northern West Bank who was detained and interrogated under accusations of working with a “terrorist organization.” Such incidents, he stressed, highlight the severe risks staff face in increasingly hostile environments.
The UNRWA chief underlined that UNRWA is essential, echoing sentiments expressed by the UN Secretary-General and humanitarian agencies. For decades, UNRWA has provided education for hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza and delivered critical health services, including thousands of daily consultations.
“If UNRWA ceases to operate, the only alternative is that the responsibility returns to the occupying power, meaning that Israel will be responsible for providing these critical services,” he warned.
Calling on UN Member States to prevent the implementation of new Israeli laws, Lazzarini urged continued financial and political support for the agency. He also emphasized the need to address UNRWA’s role within a political framework, particularly regarding a two-State solution.
“Attacks on UNRWA are attacks on the United Nations itself,” he stated, arguing that Israel’s actions challenge the authority of the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the post-World War II international order.
When asked about the agency’s future in Gaza, Lazzarini admitted the situation was dire but affirmed that operations would continue. “Gaza is one of the most dangerous places to operate,” he said, describing immense humanitarian needs and severe operational restrictions.
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“The simple and short answer is: we will be operating until the day we cannot operate anymore,” he concluded. “We will deliver the services until we are forced to stop.”