UNRWA chief urges pushback against efforts to disband Palestinian agency

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the agency, which has provided essential aid to Gazans throughout Israel’s offensive, was 'staggering under the weight of relentless attacks'. — Reuters file picGENEVA, June 24 — The head of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency today called on partners to fight back against efforts by Israel to have the organisation disbanded as it provides humanitarian assistance to Gaza and across the region.

“Israel has long been critical of the agency’s mandate. But it now seeks to end UNRWA’s operations, dismissing the agency’s status as a United Nations entity supported by an overwhelming majority of member states,” UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said at a meeting of the agency’s advisory commission in Geneva.

“If we do not push back, other UN entities and international organizations will be next, further undermining our multilateral system.”Lazzarini said the agency, which has provided essential aid to Gazans throughout Israel’s offensive, was “staggering under the weight of relentless attacks”.“More than 180 installations have been damaged or destroyed, killing at least 500 people seeking United Nations protection...

Several countries halted their funding to UNRWA following accusations by Israel that some of the agency’s staff were involved in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza war. Most donors have since resumed their funding.“The agency’s ability to operate beyond August will depend on member states disbursing planned funds and providing new contributions to the core budget,” he said.

Established in 1949 following the first Arab-Israeli war, UNRWA provides services including schooling, primary healthcare and humanitarian aid in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. — Reuters

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