Algerian Radio
The Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, affirmed this Tuesday that the suffering of Palestinian citizens in Gaza continues despite the ceasefire, which he described as a “formal” or “nominal” cessation. He noted that civilians are still being killed, while suffering from acute shortages of water and food, alongside the spread of diseases.
During a press conference in Geneva, Lazzarini explained that “UNRWA remains the only entity capable of providing large-scale services in the Gaza Strip, in the absence of any alternative body to carry out its mandates”.
In this context, he pointed to what he called the “Silent War” in the occupied West Bank, amid Zionist settler attacks and demolition operations that have also targeted UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem.
On the other hand, Lazzarini confirmed that the UN agency is facing a severe funding crisis, despite the renewal of its mandate for three years. He warned that it might become unable to continue without urgent financial support, further cautioning that targeting UNRWA could set a dangerous precedent affecting other United Nations agencies.
