The head of the main United Nations agency supporting people in Gaza, Philippe Lazzarini, has accused Israel of attempting to 'destroy' the organization and the concept that Palestinians are refugees with a right to return home. Lazzarini leads the U.N. aid agency known as UNRWA, which was established more than 70 years ago to aid Palestinians displaced during the 1948 Mideast war over Israel's formation.
Lazzarini's recent claims mark a strong rebuttal against Israeli allegations that UNRWA ignored possible Hamas infiltration in its Gaza operations. The Commissioner-General highlighted Israel's perceived long-term objective of ending the agency's existence to resolve the Palestinian refugee status and the right of return.
The fate of Palestinian refugees and their descendants has been a contentious issue in Israeli-Palestinian relations, with Israel resisting allowing descendants of refugees to return to its territory, citing concerns about diluting the Jewish majority.
Amidst the escalating tensions, the U.S., the largest donor to UNRWA, suspended funding, impacting the agency's operations. If alternative funding sources are not secured, UNRWA faces halting operations in April, affecting essential aid provision to Palestinians in various regions, including Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
Despite challenges and accusations from Israeli authorities, UNRWA has denied collaboration with Hamas, dismissing employees involved in attacks and asserting its commitment to neutrality. The agency has faced mounting pressure from Israel, with the Defense Minister alleging significant Hamas and Islamic Jihad group affiliations among its workers, leading to calls for replacing UNRWA with other organizations.
While the U.N. agency continues its aid efforts, the situation remains precarious, with critical functions at risk due to funding constraints and political controversies. As the future of UNRWA hangs in the balance, efforts are underway to explore how vital support for Palestinian refugees can be sustained amidst the challenges posed by the current crisis.
