The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, has condemned attacks on the agency as part of a broader effort to deprive Palestinians of their refugee status.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Lazzarini emphasized that the agency plays a crucial role in providing essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. He expressed concerns that ongoing attacks on UNRWA could jeopardize these services and undermine the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Lazzarini also highlighted the agency’s ongoing financial challenges, stating that UNRWA is currently operating on a ‘hand-to-mouth’ basis. However, he assured that the agency will continue to function at least through June, thanks to funding from various sources.
The attacks on UNRWA and the financial crisis it faces have raised concerns among the international community. Many experts and humanitarian organizations have called for sustained support for UNRWA to ensure that it can continue providing vital services to Palestinian refugees, including education, healthcare, and assistance to those living in poverty.
