Denis Francis, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, has described the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as an “indispensable lifeline for millions of Palestinians” over the past 75 years, emphasizing the crucial need for Palestinian people and children for its services.
According to the United Nations Information Centre, the Assembly President expressed concern over the ongoing deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the severe challenges facing UNRWA.
He urged member states to provide sustainable and predictable financial and political support to UNRWA as it addresses “the largest humanitarian crisis since its establishment.”
Francis highlighted that the agency is on the “brink of collapse,” with Israel’s repeated calls for its dismantling and the freezing of funds by donors, at a time when Gaza is facing unprecedented humanitarian needs.
Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), stated in a press release on Thursday that “it is with regret that I announce the agency has reached a breaking point.”
In his statement, Lazzarini highlighted Israel’s repeated calls for the dismantling of UNRWA and the freezing of its funding by donor countries, at a time when Gaza is experiencing “unprecedented humanitarian needs.”
Funding from 16 countries has been suspended pending the results of an investigation by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight.
Dorothy Klaus, UNRWA’s Director of Affairs in Lebanon, mentioned that the findings are expected to be released within a few weeks.
