> He’s up next: Gaza crisis update from head of Palestine relief agency live at the Security Council!
The Commissioner-General of the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) is due to brief the Security Council at 3:00 PM in New York on Wednesday as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and Israeli demands to abolish the frontline agency, intensify.
Philippe Lazzarini has said the agency is facing a “deliberate and concerted campaign” to undermine its operations at a time when it’s crucial services – delivered by over 12,000 mostly local staff in Gaza – are most needed.
So far, some 178 UNRWA officials working in Gaza have died since Israel’s bombardment and military campaign began last October.
In January, the Israeli Government presented the UN with information accusing 12 UNRWA employees of taking part in the 7 October terror attacks but has yet to provide that evidence to the organisation. UNRWA nevertheless terminated their employment and began an internal investigation.
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The UN chief also set up an independent review overseen by a former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, which is due to report at the end of this week.
Funding crisis
Some 16 countries led by the United States announced a funding freeze for UNRWA – or suspension of future funding – in response to the allegations of collusion but some of those countries have since reversed course and resumed funding.
Mr. Lazzarini wrote to the General Assembly, which provides UNRWA its mandate, and later briefed Member States in March, saying the agency was at “breaking point” across the region and under serious threat of grinding to a halt.
Israel’s announcement in late March that they would no longer approve any UNRWA food convoys into northern Gaza meant that the clock is ticking “faster towards famine”, he said on X, formerly Twitter.
Diplomacy continues in New York
Ambassadors last met on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza on 5 April when they heard top UN aid officials make an appeal for the Security Council to help end the carnage there six months on from the start of the conflict.
The Maltese mission which holds the presidency for the month of April said in a post on X, that there will be a vote on a draft resolution put forward by Algeria this coming Friday.
The draft is focused on the diplomatic push by some countries to admit Palestine as a full Member State of the UN, in the wake of the crisis in the Middle East.
Although a special committee on UN membership did not come up with a conclusive recommendation this week, the Algeria draft recommends to the General Assembly that the State of Palestine “be admitted to membership in the United Nations.”
Here’s a reminder of the HIGHLIGHTS from the Council meeting on 25 March which passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan:
- The UN Security Council adopts a resolution tabled by its 10 non-permanent members (E-10) demanding a ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan, by a vote of 14 in favour to none against, with one abstention (United States)
- Resolution 2728 also calls for the immediate release of hostages and for ensuring humanitarian access to Gaza
- The Council rejected a Russia-proposed amendment that would have called for a permanent ceasefire
- The US ambassador said her delegation “fully supports” the critical objectives of the draft
- Algeria’s ambassador says the ceasefire will end “the bloodbath”
- “This must be a turning point,” says the ambassador for the observer State of Palestine
- The draft’s lack of condemnation of Hamas is “a disgrace”, says Israel’s ambassador
For summaries of UN meetings, visit our colleagues at the UN Meetings Coverage in English and French
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
Philippe Lazzarini has said the agency is facing a “deliberate and concerted campaign” to undermine its operations at a time when its crucial services – delivered by over 12,000 mostly local staff in Gaza – are most needed. So far, some 178 UNRWA officials working in Gaza have died since Israel’s bombardment and military campaign began last October. In January, the Israeli Government presented the UN with information accusing 12 UNRWA employees of taking part in the 7 October terror attacks but has yet to provide that evidence to the organization. UNRWA nevertheless terminated their employment and began an internal investigation. The UN chief also set up an independent review overseen by a former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, which is due to report at the end of this week. Funding crisis: Some 16 countries led by the United States announced a funding freeze for UNRWA – or suspension of future funding – in response to the allegations of collusion.
It’s shameful how the agency is being targeted despite its vital services, especially during such a critical time. The international community must step in to support UNRWA and ensure the safety of its staff in Gaza.
Philippe Lazzarini has said the agency is facing a “deliberate and concerted campaign” to undermine its operations at a time when its crucial services – delivered by over 12,000 mostly local staff in Gaza – are most needed. So far, some 178 UNRWA officials working in Gaza have died since Israel’s bombardment and military campaign began last October. In January, the Israeli Government presented the UN with information accusing 12 UNRWA employees of taking part in the 7 October terror attacks but has yet to provide that evidence to the organization. UNRWA nevertheless terminated their employment and began an internal investigation.
It’s truly concerning to see the deliberate efforts to undermine UNRWA’s crucial services in Gaza during such a critical time. The agency’s dedicated staff are risking their lives to provide assistance, and the funding freeze only exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. More support and cooperation are urgently needed to address the situation.
It’s truly disheartening to see the deliberate campaign to undermine UNRWA, especially when the crucial services provided by its dedicated staff are most needed in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis must be addressed with urgency and without political interference.
Will the briefing at the Security Council shed light on the specific actions UNRWA is taking to address the funding freeze and accusations against its staff?
Yes, the briefing at the Security Council will provide details on the steps UNRWA is taking to tackle the funding freeze and allegations against its staff.
Is there any information on how the UN intends to address the funding freeze announced by 16 countries, especially amidst the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza?
Philippe Lazzarini has stated that the agency is facing a “deliberate and concerted campaign” to undermine its operations at a time when its crucial services – delivered by over 12,000 mostly local staff in Gaza – are most needed. So far, some 178 UNRWA officials working in Gaza have died since Israel’s bombardment and military campaign began last October. In January, the Israeli Government presented the UN with information accusing 12 UNRWA employees of taking part in the 7 October terror attacks but has yet to provide that evidence to the organization. UNRWA nevertheless terminated their employment and began an internal investigation. The UN chief also set up an independent review overseen by a former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, which is due to report at the end of this week. Funding crisis Some 16 countries led by the United States announced a funding freeze for UNRWA – or suspension of future funding – in response to the allegations of collusion.
It is deeply concerning to see the deliberate efforts to undermine the vital operations of UNRWA in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis is worsening, and the need for their services is only increasing. The international community must take action to support the agency and ensure its crucial work continues.
It’s heartbreaking to see the challenges faced by the UNRWA in Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini’s efforts to address the crisis are commendable. It’s essential for all countries to support the agency’s vital work during these difficult times.