UNRWA Commissioner-General Warns of Agency Collapse Due to Occupation LegislationNew York, 18 Feb (ONA) — The Commissioner-General of the United
Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near
East (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini warned that the UN Agency could
collapse due to Israeli occupation legislation targeting UNRWA’s
operations in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Lazzarini said in a statement that the collapse of the Agency
would create a vacuum in the occupied Palestinian territory, in
providing essential services to Palestine Refugees.
“The Agency now faces significant operational challenges,” he
said.

He pointed out that “UNRWA was compelled to evacuate its
compound in Sheikh Jarrah,” adding that “International staff have
been effectively expelled from the occupied West Bank.”
“The courage and commitment of our Palestinian staff have
allowed UNRWA schools and health clinics to remain open, providing
essential services to Palestine Refugees,” UNRWA Commissioner-General
indicated.

He affirmed that the UN agency will remain and implement its
mandate until it is prevented from doing so, underlining that UNRWA
continues to play a crucial role in addressing the enormous needs of
the people of Gaza.

The Israeli Knesset recently approved a ban on UNRWA activities
in the occupied Palestinian territories.— Ends/Khalid