Contemplating the Demise of UNRWA: Possible Handover to the Palestinian Authority
Leader of Palestinian Aid Organization Ponders Disbanding United Nations Relief and Works Agency - Contemplating the Dissolution of UNRWA: Viewpoint of Palestinian Aid Agency Head
Got some buzz? Here's the inside scoop on the current chatter surrounding the potential dissolution of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) and the potential handover of its duties to the Palestinian Authority.
"We're reaching our breaking point," declares Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA's Chief, speaking to the world. The agency is gasping for breath, strangled by a lack of resources, international carelessness, and a smothering hostile atmosphere. In a desperate bid to revive the situation, Lazzarini is holding long-winded discussions with members of the Global Coalition for the Two-State Solution, led by the EU and Saudi Arabia. One possible solution on the table? The reformation of the Palestinian Authority, allowing it to assume UNRWA's responsibilities.
Israel continues to cast a dark shadow over UNRWA, accusing the agency of being a secret hideout for Hamas in the Gaza Strip. But it's not just Israel raising concerns; the USA has abandoned all financial support to UNRWA. Established in 1949, the UN organization was charged with offering humanitarian aid and protection to registered Palestinian refugees in its area of operation. Unfortunately, the Israeli army turns UNRWA's work in Gaza into an insurmountable task.
On a Tuesday afternoon, Lazzarini lashed out at Israel's newly instituted aid distribution system in Gaza. The USA-backed private foundation GHF, now responsible for aid distribution, he declared, is a "disgrace." In a heated press conference in Berlin, Lazzarini voiced his disapproval.
Israel started blocking aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip in March, denying both UNRWA and other UN organizations access. After a loosening of restrictions in late May, the GHF took hold of food distribution in the Palestinian territory.
The UN and major aid organizations refuse to collaborate with the foundation, alleging it aligns too closely with the Israeli army's plans. Chaos and violence are common occurrences at the foundation's distribution sites. The radical Islamic Hamas has even accused Israel of murdering civilians making their way to these centers, a claim Israel categorically denies.
UNRWA, Palestinian Refugee Agency, Philippe Lazzarini (Chief), Israel, Gaza Strip, USA, EU, Saudi Arabia, Palestinian Authority
- The European Union, led by Saudi Arabia through the Global Coalition for the Two-State Solution, is actively engaging in discussions with UNRWA's Chief, Philippe Lazzarini, considering the possibility of reforming the Palestinian Authority to assume UNRWA's responsibilities.
- The potential handover of UNRWA's duties to the Palestinian Authority is a topic of heightened interest amidst speculation about the future of UNRWA, in light of international apathy and lacking resources.
- The United Nations Refugee and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), headed by Philippe Lazzarini, has been facing strong opposition from Israel, which accuses the agency of allowing Hamas to operate within the Gaza Strip, causing a strained relationship that hinders UNRWA's humanitarian mission.
