UNRWA's chief has issued a plea to United Nations member states following Israel's recent ban on the Palestinian refugee agency, warning of dire repercussions for the entire Middle East. The ban, passed by Israel's parliament, is expected to severely limit UNRWA's operations in territories under Israeli occupation, drawing sharp criticism from various Western nations and humanitarian organizations.
In a letter addressed to the UN General Assembly president, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini emphasized that Israel's ban could jeopardize the agency's vital mission of providing healthcare, education, and food to millions of Palestinian refugees. Lazzarini stressed that without decisive intervention by the General Assembly, UNRWA's ability to function effectively may be compromised.
Lazzarini highlighted the potential grave consequences of Israel's ban, not only for Palestinians but also for Israel and the wider region. The move comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and the UN, with Israel accusing UNRWA staff of involvement in a recent attack by Hamas, an allegation strongly refuted by the agency.
The UNRWA chief expressed concerns that the ban could lead to the collapse of the agency's operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and have a catastrophic impact on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He called on Member States to take urgent action to support UNRWA in light of the severity of the situation and the risks involved.
Israel's decision to ban UNRWA has raised significant alarm within the international community, with calls for swift intervention to address the potential humanitarian fallout. The situation remains fluid as efforts are made to mitigate the impact of the ban on Palestinian refugees and the broader regional stability.
