UNRWA Chief Warns Against Impeding Agency’s Operations in Gaza
UNRWA's Role Deemed Vital Amidst Ceasefire in Gaza; Israeli Restrictions Imminent
The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, issued a warning on Friday regarding the potential consequences of hindering the agency's operations.
He emphasized that obstructing UNRWA's efforts could jeopardize the ongoing ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Lazzarini highlighted the critical role of UNRWA in providing humanitarian aid, stating that the agency had delivered food supplies to one million people during the initial three days of the ceasefire.
He noted that essential supplies, which had been delayed for months, were being distributed to areas including northern Gaza, thereby supporting the region's stability.
Lazzarini underscored the ceasefire as a significant opportunity to deliver much-needed aid across the region.
In a related development, Israel's UN envoy conveyed a request to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday, demanding that UNRWA halt its operations in Jerusalem and vacate premises by January 30, when a new law will come into effect.
This legislation prohibits UNRWA's activities within Israeli territory and mandates an end to engagement with Israeli authorities.
He emphasized that obstructing UNRWA's efforts could jeopardize the ongoing ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Lazzarini highlighted the critical role of UNRWA in providing humanitarian aid, stating that the agency had delivered food supplies to one million people during the initial three days of the ceasefire.
He noted that essential supplies, which had been delayed for months, were being distributed to areas including northern Gaza, thereby supporting the region's stability.
Lazzarini underscored the ceasefire as a significant opportunity to deliver much-needed aid across the region.
In a related development, Israel's UN envoy conveyed a request to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday, demanding that UNRWA halt its operations in Jerusalem and vacate premises by January 30, when a new law will come into effect.
This legislation prohibits UNRWA's activities within Israeli territory and mandates an end to engagement with Israeli authorities.
