Jordan: Israel Undermining Palestinian Cause by Targeting UNRWA

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi asserted on Tuesday that Israel's attempt to politically undermine the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is part of a broader plan to eliminate the Palestinian cause.

In a joint press conference with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, Safadi warned that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza is worsening with ongoing aggression, and the aid reaching Gaza is insufficient to meet the basic needs of its citizens.

According to a statement from the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Safadi and Lazzarini discussed efforts to halt the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, ensure adequate and sustainable humanitarian aid, and provide necessary protection for relief organizations and their staff, particularly UNRWA, which plays a crucial role in delivering essential services to Palestinians in Gaza.

Safadi emphasized, "Without a firm and immediate international stance compelling Israel to fulfill its responsibilities as the occupying power, allow aid, open all crossings, and protect UN organizations, we will face an unprecedented humanitarian disaster."

Lazzarini reported that 350,000 Palestinians in Gaza are displaced for the second or third time since the war began in October, noting that no area in Gaza is safe. He highlighted the dire situation, with 17,000 children separated from their families, 20,000 people missing, and at least 190 UNRWA staff members killed, while more than half of UNRWA's facilities have been damaged.

Lazzarini also mentioned the "silent war" in the West Bank, where over 500 Palestinians, including more than 130 children, have been killed since October 7.

In response to a question about the targeting of UNRWA, Lazzarini stated, "There is a blatant and ongoing attack on the agency and its role. The agency remains a target of 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, aiming to strip Palestinians of their right to establish their own state and crush their aspirations."

Israel has been waging a war against Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 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, killing 1,200 Israelis.