The World Today
UNRWA Gaza is going through one of the most critical moments in its recent history. Amid the conflict and devastation, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East has become the main support for millions of people who depend on its aid for survival. Philippe Lazzarini, the agency's Commissioner-General, emphasized that the agency has the necessary resources to assist the Palestinian population, provided it is allowed to operate without restrictions.
The recent decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) reaffirmed Israel's responsibility to facilitate access for humanitarian aid. This historic ruling gave new impetus to the work of UNRWA Gaza , which maintains abundant supplies in Egypt and Jordan ready for distribution to those most in need. However, the delivery of this aid faces daily challenges due to access restrictions and persistent insecurity in the region.
UNRWA Gaza's crucial role in the humanitarian emergency
As the situation in the Gaza Strip worsens, UNRWA Gaza is emerging as a vital pillar of assistance. From schools converted into shelters to makeshift field hospitals, the agency sustains the social fabric of a community battered by years of blockade and conflict.
Philippe Lazzarini emphasizes that, although the agency faces political pressures and logistical constraints, its commitment to Palestinian refugees is unwavering. “We have the means and the will, but we need access and security to work,” he recently stated at a conference in Geneva.
The ruling of the International Court of Justice and its implications
The International Court of Justice was a turning point. The court determined that Israel has a legal obligation to allow the safe passage of food, water, medicine, and fuel into Gaza . This ruling not only recognizes the humanitarian urgency but also the need for accountability in a conflict that has left thousands of civilian victims.
UNRWA Gaza 's mandate , but also a warning to the international community: without effective cooperation, no agency can sustain the scale of the humanitarian disaster.
Shared Responsibility: Israel and the International Community
Israel, in its role as an occupying power, must guarantee the flow of humanitarian aid , according to the ICJ. However, the responsibility does not fall solely on one actor. The international community must also commit to supporting UNRWA's efforts, both financially and through diplomatic pressure.
UNRWA Gaza relies heavily on contributions from donor countries, whose funding has fluctuated in recent years. Organizations such as the European Union and the World Bank have called for greater transparency, but at the same time recognize the agency's effectiveness on the ground. In this context, sustained support is vital to keeping food, health, and education programs running.
🔗 UN News – Humanitarian crisis in Gaza
🔗 International humanitarian aid and its impact on the Middle East
The voice of Palestinian refugees
Amid the ruins, Palestinian refugees cling to hope. UNRWA schools, now filled with displaced families, are a testament to the daily struggle to survive. Testimonies collected by local media show how the agency has become the last lifeline for thousands of people.
“All we want is to live in peace and for our children to be able to return to school,” says Samira, a mother of four who is a refugee in northern Gaza. This statement reflects the resilient spirit of a population that has not lost hope despite the extreme circumstances.
The challenges facing UNRWA Gaza
Even with the ICJ's decision, the obstacles remain enormous. The blockade, insecurity, and attacks on UN facilities hamper operations. Philippe Lazzarini has demanded guarantees of protection for humanitarian personnel, following the deaths of several agency workers in recent attacks.
UNRWA Gaza continues to operate with limited resources, but its role remains indispensable. Its logistical structure—one of the most comprehensive in the Middle East—allows for rapid response to emergencies, although every day is a race against time.
An urgent call to the world
UNRWA Gaza 's work represents a lifeline for millions of people, but its sustainability depends on the joint action of governments, international organizations, and committed citizens.
As Lazzarini recalled, “This is not just about humanitarian aid, but about humanity.” The global community has the opportunity—and the moral obligation—to respond.
