During a heated debate at the UN Security Council, Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini made it clear that dissolving the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was not an option. He emphasized the dire consequences of such a move, stating that millions of Palestinians would lose their refugee status if the organization was disbanded.
Lazzarini warned that this decision would worsen hunger in the Gaza Strip and make it more difficult to transition from ceasefire to reconstruction and rehabilitation of the area. The commissioner general stressed that UNRWA is essential to providing vital humanitarian aid to Gaza residents, and its closure could lead to disaster.
The meeting was initiated by Jordan and began with a moment of silence in memory of the 178 UNRWA employees who died in Gaza. Israel has accused UNRWA of complicity in Hamas’s crimes, but it also acknowledges that the agency is crucial for providing aid to Gaza’s residents.
As the debate continues, there are far-reaching implications for both the Palestinian refugee population and the region as a whole. Lazzarini urged caution and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to this ongoing conflict.
The fate of UNRWA remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – its closure would have devastating consequences for those who rely on its aid and services. It is up to world leaders to find a way forward that respects human rights and ensures that refugees receive the help they need.