UNRWA Urges Security Council to Ensure Survival Amid Israeli Demand for Dissolution

On a Wednesday, April 17, the head of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) made an urgent plea to the Security Council to ensure the agency's survival. The plea came amidst a demand from Israel for the dissolution of the agency, accusing it of being part of Hamas’ “terror war machine.”

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, warned the council that dismantling the agency would deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He stressed that the move would also speed up the onset of famine. International experts have cautioned about an imminent famine in northern Gaza, with half of the territory’s 2.3 million people at risk of starvation if the Israeli-Hamas war intensifies.

Impact on Gaza’s Children and Essential Services

Lazzarini emphasized that the cessation of UNRWA's operations would leave around half a million children without education. Furthermore, he highlighted that it would fuel anger, resentment, and endless cycles of violence in Gaza. He also pointed out that ending the agency's operations would jeopardize the transition when the war ends, depriving Gaza’s population of essential services, including health care, food, and other humanitarian aid.

Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan accused UNRWA of being infiltrated by Hamas and part of a Palestinian plot to annihilate Israel. He also claimed that UNRWA has become “the world’s biggest advocate for a one-state solution” run by Palestinians. However, Lazzarini stressed that the real aim of Israel’s efforts to end UNRWA’s operations is “about ending the refugee status of millions of Palestinians.” He labeled the allegations as “false and dishonest.”

International Support for UNRWA

At the Security Council meeting, all 15 council members, including the United States, voiced their support for UNRWA. The Palestinian U.N. ambassador expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming support received by UNRWA, except for one dissenting voice. The U.S. deputy ambassador acknowledged UNRWA’s indispensable role in distributing humanitarian assistance and maintaining continuity of care in Gaza.

Lazzarini highlighted the challenges faced by UNRWA, including the loss of funding from the United States and the deaths of UNRWA personnel. He also emphasized the damage and destruction of UNRWA premises, further complicating the agency's humanitarian efforts.

Call for Independent Investigation

Lazzarini demanded an independent investigation and accountability for the disregard of the protected status of humanitarian workers and facilities under international law. The call came amidst allegations of the military occupation of UNRWA premises and the use of its vacated facilities by various parties, including Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups.

UNRWA's head expressed the need for continued funding, stating that most countries have resumed their support for the agency. However, there are a few awaiting a report on its operations before making a final decision. The agency currently has funding until the end of June, with measures in place to address the shortfall caused by the suspension of U.S. funding.

The United States and other nations expressed concerns about Israel's ban on UNRWA delivering aid to Gazans and reiterated the need for protections for humanitarian aid workers and civilians. The U.S. Congress has suspended funding for UNRWA until March 2025, posing financial challenges for the agency.

Lazzarini addressed the issue of disinformation and the need for substantiated allegations to take proper action. He emphasized the importance of transparency and refuted the allegations of UNRWA's complicity in perpetuating the refugee status of millions of Palestinians.