The head of the UN's main relief agency in Gaza, UNRWA, has raised concerns about an ongoing campaign aimed at ending its operations in the region. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini addressed the UN Security Council, highlighting the challenges the agency is facing in delivering aid and saving lives due to denied permissions.
Israel's allegations of UNRWA employees' involvement in a recent Hamas attack have intensified calls for the agency's disbandment. As a result, Israel has banned UNRWA from operating in Gaza's north, leading to a reduction in funding from several countries.
Lazzarini emphasized the severe consequences of dismantling UNRWA, warning of deepening humanitarian crises and the potential onset of famine in Gaza. He stressed that such actions would not only impact the current situation but also jeopardize the transition to post-conflict recovery by depriving the population of essential services.
The Commissioner-General highlighted the plight of children in Gaza, with over 17,000 separated from their families and facing the horrors of conflict alone. He also expressed concerns about the looming threat of a man-made famine tightening its grip on the region.
UNRWA's operations in Gaza play a crucial role in providing vital assistance to the population, particularly in times of crisis. The agency's efforts are essential for ensuring the well-being and stability of the region, and any disruptions to its operations could have far-reaching consequences for international peace and security.
