New Israeli laws put Palestinian aid agency future at risk, UN chief warns
Israeli parliament decision blocks UN refugee agency from working in Israel. UN official points to major gaps in basic services that will affect Palestinian communities
In a ground-breaking interview (his first since the new legislation)‚ Philippe Lazzarini from the UN Relief and Works Agency discussed the impact of Israels recent laws that stop UNRWA from working in the country
The laws‚ which got approved in oct-2024 will create big problems for Palestinians who depend on the agencyʼs help — these include:
- health-care services
- education programs
- emergency aid
- basic life support
Lazzarini explained that blocking UNRWAs work would make things worse in both Gaza and West Bank regions: “When you remove a working system of support you create a dangerous vacuum“ [[UNRWA Commissioner-General stated]]
The UN official pointed out that these legal changes dont just affect the agency; they directly hurt Palestinian communities who rely on its day-to-day help. The situation might lead to gaps in important services that no other group can fill right now
With the agency being the main provider of basic services‚ its removal could affect thousands of people who depend on its support (especially in areas where other aid groups dont work). The new rules make it hard for UNRWA to continue its mission; which has been going on for decades
