Real intent behind UNRWA attack is political: Agency chief

HAMILTON, Canada

The head of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) commented Tuesday on attempts to dismantle the agency and said the real motive is political.

"I keep reminding that the real intent behind the attack on UNRWA is of a political nature because it has as an objective to strip the Palestinians from the refugee status to start with in Gaza," Philippe Lazzarini said at a news conference.

Stressing that UNRWA has never experienced such an attack, Lazzarini said the agency has never had 18 countries simultaneously freezing funding and been “the target of an open campaign for the total dismantlement of its activities in Gaza, and possibly beyond."

He said the pressure to dismantle the agency extends to Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.

Saying that at least 180 UNRWA staff had been killed since last week and more than 160 premises damaged or destroyed, Lazzarini noted that he urged the UN Security Council to carry out "an independent investigation and accountability for the blatant disregard of UN premises, UN staff."

On the report by the Independent Investigative Group, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine, Lazzarini acknowledged UNRWA's existing mechanisms for addressing neutrality issues but emphasized the need for heightened vigilance given the complexity of the operating environment.

He said UNRWA welcomed the report and “the recommendation and my commitment is that we will be implementing the recommendation," adding that the agency will inform UN member states Tuesday how it intends to proceed with the set of recommendations.

Regarding the effect of funding freezes, Lazzarini noted the temporary suspension of contributions from several countries but expressed hope for their eventual reinstatement.

Outlining efforts to bridge the funding gap and ensure the continuity of UNRWA's vital services, Lazzarini said, "I can say that we have funding covering until end of June ... I'm slightly more, I wouldn't say relaxed, but more confident than I was two months ago."

Commenting on alternative ways to find funding, the UNRWA chief said, "Since the beginning of the year, we had succeeded to raise $50 million just on digital fundraising -- $100 million since Oct. 7."

"This is an extraordinary indication of grassroots solidarity,” he said. “It's not enough to compensate. But this is already an indication that we are finding alternative ways.”

In a positive development, Lazzarini noted an increase in the number of trucks entering Gaza with humanitarian aid, signaling a potential improvement in access to essential supplies. But he warned of potential health risks, particularly in light of the upcoming warmer season.

Noting that more than 300 trucks entered Gaza on Monday, Lazzarini stressed that "the more we sustain this (increase of trucks), the more we will have a positive impact."

Amid US student protests and calls for healing in the Mideast region, the UNRWA chief emphasized the need for empathy and understanding from all sides to achieve lasting peace and security.