Lazzarini Calls on UN Member States to Prevent Implementation of Israeli Ban Against UNRWA.

New York: Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), has urged UN Member States to take action against the implementation of Israeli legislation targeting UNRWA. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee, Lazzarini emphasized the critical situation faced by UNRWA and millions of Palestine refugees, stressing the need for continued funding of the agency. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Lazzarini highlighted that Israel's recent legislative actions are in defiance of the United Nations Charter and various international resolutions. He warned that the Israeli parliament's decision to potentially end UNRWA's operations within the occupied Palestinian territory could dismantle the United Nations humanitarian response, critically impacting the infrastructure that UNRWA provides. Lazzarini clarified that dismantling UNRWA will not affect the refugee status of Palestinians, which exists independently, but will severely impact their lives and future. UNRWA is unique among UN agencies as it directly provides essential services such as education for over half a million children and primary healthcare, crucial in the absence of a Palestinian state. During periods of conflict, UNRWA delivers humanitarian aid to those in need. Lazzarini noted that the agency has suffered significantly during the war in Gaza, with at least 243 personnel killed and facilities extensively damaged. Additionally, UNRWA has faced a global disinformation campaign and lobbying efforts against it by the Israeli government and affiliated groups. Lazzarini underscored the need for UNRWA to conclude its mandate through a political solution and transition its services to a Palestinian administration. He appealed to UN Member States to sustain funding for UNRWA and to utilize all available legal and political tools to uphold the international rules-based order.