UNRWA: Dismantling Agency Threatens Palestinian Children's Education

The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, has warned that dismantling the agency without a viable alternative would deprive Palestinian children of their right to education. 

Lazzarini emphasized the need to focus on resolving the conflict itself rather than banning UNRWA or finding substitutes.

UNICEF echoed this concern, warning that recent Israeli legislation aiming to cut off critical support for Palestinian refugees in Gaza could have fatal consequences if fully enacted. 

The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, recently passed two bills prohibiting UNRWA operations within Israeli territories and barring any interaction between Israeli authorities and the agency.

UNICEF stated, "UNRWA is essential for delivering urgent aid to the 2.2 million people in Gaza who need immediate assistance."

 The organization highlighted that, with Gaza's children enduring one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history, full implementation of this legislation could have devastating effects.

The statement underscored UNRWA's unique mandate by the United Nations General Assembly to provide services to Palestinian refugees.

Operating with over 18,000 staff across Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, UNRWA offers healthcare, education, and other essential services that no other UN agency can replicate.