Gaza: UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini renewed his call on Saturday for Israel to lift its ban on the agency's operations, stressing the urgent need to support Palestinians amid ongoing efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Lazzarini described the current situation as "a welcome and rare momentum to reach a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and pave the way for a long-term solution to end the decades-long conflict."
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Lazzarini emphasized the importance of this moment as "a rare window of hope to allow the UN, including UNRWA, to address famine and the suffering of over two million people with unspeakable needs." He highlighted the critical role of education, noting that UNRWA has the expertise and workforce necessary to support the gradual return of more than 660,000 children living in rubble-affected areas to formal schooling.
Lazzarini urged the lifting of the siege and the ban on UNRWA international staff and humanitarian supplies, stressing that these measures are crucial for supporting Palestinians at this critical juncture.
