Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stated today that Israel’s political attack on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is part of its broader plan to undermine the Palestinian cause.
In a joint press conference with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, Safadi warned that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza is worsening amid ongoing aggression.
He emphasized that the aid entering the territory does not meet the minimum needs of the Palestinian residents.
A statement from the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs detailed that Safadi and Lazzarini discussed efforts to halt the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, ensure adequate and sustainable humanitarian aid to all parts of the sector, and provide necessary protection for relief organizations and their workers, especially UNRWA, which plays an irreplaceable role in providing vital services to Palestinians in the sector.
Safadi said, “We discussed today the ways we can improve the humanitarian situation. The conclusion we reached is that without a firm, clear, immediate, and genuine stance from the international community compelling Israel to fulfill its responsibilities as the occupying power, including allowing aid and opening all crossings, and ensuring the protection of UN organizations, we will face a humanitarian disaster unprecedented in modern history.”
Lazzarini noted that 350,000 Palestinians are being displaced again in Gaza, having already been displaced multiple times since the war began in October last year.
He highlighted that nine months into the war, which has devastated Gaza, there are no safe areas left in the sector.
He reported that around 17,000 children are without their parents, 20,000 people are currently missing, and at least 190 UNRWA staff have died. More than half of UNRWA’s facilities have been damaged due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Lazzarini stated, “In the West Bank, a silent war exists in the shadows of the Gaza conflict, where over 500 Palestinians, including more than 130 children, have been killed since October 7.”
Responding to questions about the targeting of UNRWA, Lazzarini said, “There is a blatant and relentless attack on the agency and its role. The agency has become a target in the war, in violation of international humanitarian law, and those responsible for these violations must be held accountable.”
He added, “There is also a political objective to eliminate UNRWA to strip Palestinians of their right to establish their own state and crush their aspirations.”
Since October 7, Israel has been waging a war against Hamas in Gaza, resulting in over 38,000 deaths, widespread destruction, and a severe humanitarian crisis.
This followed a surprise attack by Hamas on several military bases and Israeli towns near the Gaza border, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis.
