NEW YORK June 25. 2024 (Saba) - Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), has highlighted the current situation as the most severe Palestinian catastrophe since the Nakba.
In statements reported by the Palestinian Information Center on Monday, Lazzarini emphasized that the Zionist entity aims to halt UNRWA operations and targets other UN agencies.
"We are witnessing the largest Palestinian catastrophe since the Nakba," Lazzarini stated, noting the relentless attacks against UNRWA and humanitarian agencies in Gaza, which have incurred significant losses. He disclosed that 180 UNRWA workers have been killed, and 120 agency facilities have been targeted since October 7th.
"The attacks on us are due to our defense of refugee rights," he asserted.
Lazzarini expressed concern over attempts to undermine UNRWA's activities in occupied Palestinian territories, stressing that financial constraints have severely impacted service quality and exacerbated Palestinian suffering.
Highlighting the financial challenges hindering UNRWA's efforts, Lazzarini urged increased contributions to address Gaza's humanitarian crisis, emphasizing that UNRWA ensures compliance with international law among its staff.
He noted that prior to the conflict, UNRWA provided over 72% of healthcare through 12 facilities, half of which are now non-operational in Gaza. Lazzarini called for robust support to enable UNRWA to address the escalating humanitarian disaster in Gaza.
Lazzarini also warned of catastrophic levels of hunger throughout Gaza, describing the situation as man-made and stressing that over 600,000 children are traumatized and deprived of education.
"Without intervention to resume education in Gaza, we risk condemning an entire generation to poverty," he cautioned, reiterating that UNRWA's existence underscores the absence of a political solution to the Palestinian issue.
H.H
resource : Saba
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