RAMALLAH, January, 18, 2024 (WAFA) – The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, called for support and funding for the agency to enable it to continue carrying out its tasks in accordance with the UN mandate granted to it.

He also stressed the agency readiness to support the international response by expanding the scope of its operations and resuming education and providing health care in the Gaza Strip.

Lazzarini warned in a press conference that the Israeli Knesset's legislation to end UNRWA's role, which will come into effect in less than two weeks, significantly weakens the international response and exacerbates the catastrophic living conditions in the Gaza Strip.

Lazzarini explained that Israel's claims that UNRWA's services can be transferred to other entities are incorrect, indicating that UNRWA's mandate and ability to provide public services to the population in Gaza is unique, as it provides education and health care directly beyond the capacity of any other entity.

Y.S