Key facts
- Israel's actions against Unrwa are seen as an attempt to eliminate the agency and the Palestinian refugee issue.
- The outgoing Unrwa chief warned that dismantling the agency could lead to the end of the right of return, reparations, and compensation for Palestinian refugees.
- Unrwa's headquarters was attacked, and the agency has faced significant pressure, including funding cuts and legal challenges.
- Despite allegations, an investigation found Israel failed to provide evidence of Unrwa staff involvement in the October 7 attacks.
- Unrwa continues to provide critical services in Gaza, including healthcare and education, with approximately 11,000 staff.
The head of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (Unrwa), Christian Saunders, stated that Israel's recent raid on a UN facility is an effort to "eliminate the presence of the United Nations" in Palestinian territories, with the ultimate goal of making the issue of Palestinian refugees and their right of return disappear. This sentiment was echoed by the outgoing commissioner general, Philippe Lazzarini, who described the campaign against Unrwa as a "declared war aim" by Israel.
Lazzarini detailed the extensive attacks on the agency, including the storming, demolition, and burning of its main headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah, alongside a massive disinformation campaign and legal challenges. He expressed frustration that a UN agency has been "so blatantly crushed without real action from member states or the international community," noting that the attacks have occurred with "total impunity."
Despite allegations of staff involvement in the October 7 attacks, an investigation led by Catherine Colonna found that Israel failed to provide evidence. Nevertheless, many donor countries initially froze funding, though most have since resumed contributions. Lazzarini emphasized that Unrwa remains the primary provider of public health, vaccination campaigns, access to clean water, and waste management services, and is focused on restoring education.
In Gaza, Unrwa continues to operate with approximately 11,000 staff, managing to provide 20,000 primary healthcare consultations daily. Up to 70,000 children have returned to in-person learning, and over 250,000 access distance education. Lazzarini stressed that even if Unrwa were dismantled, the status of Palestinian refugees would not be affected, but he advocated for the agency to be part of a political solution and a future Palestinian institution.
Lazzarini warned that the organization faces near collapse due to Israeli efforts to discredit it, attacks on its installations, the killing of nearly 400 employees, and major funding cuts. He noted that Israel's admission to the UN in 1949 was conditional on recognizing Resolution 194, which affirms the right of Palestinian refugees to return, a right Israel's campaign against Unrwa aims to undermine.