UNRWA Faces Crisis Following Israeli Ban

Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), has warned that the agency is facing its 'darkest hour' following Israel's decision to cut ties with it. He urged UN member states to intervene, stating that without their support, UNRWA will collapse, leaving millions of Palestinians in chaos and depriving an entire generation of education. Israel's recent ban on UNRWA stems from accusations that some of its employees participated in the October 2023 Hamas attack, claims that UNRWA has sought evidence for but has not received from Israel. The agency, which provides vital services to Palestinian refugees, has been operational since 1949 and is essential for humanitarian efforts in Gaza, where it serves over 650,000 children. Lazzarini emphasized that dismantling UNRWA would severely disrupt the UN's humanitarian response in the region. The international community has expressed concern over the implications of Israel's actions, with calls for continued support for UNRWA.