UNRWA Commissioner General Urges Against Dissolution Amidst Heated Debate on Palestinian Refugee Aid

During a heated debate at the UN Security Council, Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees, passionately argued against the dissolution of his organization. He insisted that such a move would leave millions of Palestinians without their refugee status and exacerbate hunger in Gaza.

Lazzarini stressed that UNRWA is essential for providing humanitarian aid to Gaza residents and closing it down would have disastrous consequences for half a million children who rely on its schools. He warned that an entire generation could be condemned to despair and potentially perpetuate violence if they are denied access to education.

The meeting was initiated by Jordan and began with a moment of silence in memory of the 178 UNRWA employees who lost their lives in Gaza. Despite Israel’s accusations of complicity with Hamas’s crimes, the country also recognizes the critical role played by UNRWA in providing aid to Gaza residents. The debate about the future of UNRWA remains a contentious issue with significant implications for the Palestinian refugee population and the region as a whole.