Lazzarini: Israel’s UNRWA Ban Seeks to Deny Palestinian Refugees’ Right of Return
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), stated on Friday that Israel’s actions to dismantle the agency’s operations are part of a broader effort to deny Palestinian refugees their right of return.
On October 28, 2024, the Israeli Knesset passed legislation prohibiting UNRWA from operating in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. The new laws bar all UNRWA activities, including representation, service provision, and indirect operations, within areas under Israeli jurisdiction.
In a press interview, Lazzarini emphasized that Israel’s campaign against UNRWA is not primarily driven by concerns over certain agency staff members but is instead aimed at undermining the fundamental rights of Palestinian refugees, particularly their right to return.
Furthermore, Israel, as the occupying power, has informed the United Nations of its decision to terminate the 1967 agreement that allowed UNRWA to operate in these territories. The restrictions are scheduled to take effect at the end of January 2025.
