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Rabat – Israel has recklessly vowed to cut ties with the UN’s Palestinian humanitarian relief agency (UNRWA), claiming that some of its employees were involved in the October 7, 2023 events, and that it allowed Hamas to use its sites.
The Israeli government accused the agency of harboring Hamas “terrorists” and even blamed its commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini, for signing off “on salaries of the terrorist responsible for the kidnapping” of an Israeli captive.
Israel’s UN Permanent Representative, Danny Danon, claimed on his X “It’s time for the UN to recognize that UNRWA has failed in its mandate.”
Lazzari responded to these allegations, describing Israel’s move as a “relentless assault,” and adding that such actions would only harm “the lives and future of Palestinians across the occupied Palestinian territory.”
When questioned by the UN about providing essential services, aid, and reconstruction, Israel maintained that other organizations could take up the slack.
UNRWA’s commissioner-general went on to describe the work they do in Gaza. “UNRWA is the doctors and nurses providing healthcare; the aid workers giving food; and the mechanics and engineers building and repairing wells for clean drinking water.”
The United States backed Israel’s move, with its representative to the UN saying that “the United States supports the implementation of this decision.” The US-backing to its close ally is not a surprising move, considering the fact that they were also among the countries that halted vital funding to the UN organization shortly after October 7 due to similar accusations.
She added that “UNRWA is not and never has been the only option,” to be in charge of providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
Read also: 300,000 Palestinians Return to Destroyed Northern Gaza Amid Dangers, Food Shortages
UNRWA is the largest UN presence in Gaza, with 13,000 personnel across 300 premises. The agency provides healthcare and education for Palestinians, in the aftermath of the Israeli genocide that destroyed many vital facilities in Gaza, including hospitals and schools.
Lazzari also noted that impeding “UNRWA’s operations will compromise the international humanitarian response” and will “sabotage Gaza’s recovery and political transitions.”
Israel’s move comes as a ceasefire deal is taking place through the exchange of prisoners between Hamas and Israel. Stopping a major humanitarian aid provider could only hamper the process of giving necessary food and healthcare to Gazans.
Israel’s Occupation Forces’s 15-month genocide waged on Gazan civilians has killed 47,354, and injured over 111,563, with the number expected to be larger as bodies continue to be found amongst the rubble.
