The Israeli national assembly, the Knesset, passed a law earlier this week that prohibits the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in the Israeli-occupied territories.
The ban has sparked strong international protests, including from Israel’s leading allies who warn of catastrophic consequences for the Palestinians in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
In a statement, the UN Security Council expresses deep concern over the ban and calls on Israel to “fulfil its international obligations”.
All 15 member states of the Security Council support the statement, which demands that Israel respect UNRWA’s independence and “facilitate full, rapid, secure and unimpeded humanitarian assistance in all its forms to the entire Gaza Strip.”
UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini says the Israeli ban will cost lives.
– This will create a vacuum. It will also lead to more instability in the West Bank and Gaza, he says.
– If UNRWA has to suspend its work within three months, it will lead to more people dying in Gaza, says Lazzarini.
Norway has taken the initiative for a resolution in the UN General Assembly that asks the UN’s highest legal body, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to give an advisory statement on what duties Israel as an occupying power has to facilitate aid to the population of Palestine.
– The international community cannot accept that the UN, international humanitarian organizations and states face systematic obstacles to being able to work in Palestine and provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinians under occupation, said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) on Tuesday.
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**Interview with Philippe Lazzarini, Head of UNRWA**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Lazzarini. The recent decision by the Israeli Knesset to ban UNRWA from operating in the Israeli-occupied territories has drawn significant international concern. Can you elaborate on the immediate implications this ban could have for the humanitarian situation in Gaza?
**Philippe Lazzarini:** Thank you for having me. The ban is alarming, and it will undoubtedly create a vacuum in humanitarian assistance. If we are forced to suspend our work, the consequences will be dire. We are already seeing a fragile situation in Gaza, and this ban could lead to increased instability and, critically, more loss of life.
**Interviewer:** The UN Security Council has expressed deep concern and called for respect for UNRWA’s independence. How do you perceive the role of the international community in addressing this situation?
**Philippe Lazzarini:** The international community has a vital role in advocating for humanitarian principles. Countries must ensure that their voices are not only heard but that they translate into actions that safeguard the well-being of vulnerable populations like those in Gaza. There must be collective pressure to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access.
**Interviewer:** Norway has initiated a resolution for the International Court of Justice to provide an advisory statement on Israel’s obligations as an occupying power. What outcomes do you hope for from this initiative?
**Philippe Lazzarini:** An advisory opinion from the ICJ could clarify the legal responsibilities of Israel and, importantly, underscore the necessity of facilitating aid. This could set a critical precedent and propel states to act in accordance with international law, ensuring aid reaches those in desperate need without systematic obstacles.
**Interviewer:** Pressing on the global community’s response, what would you say to those who argue that restricting aid might encourage a more peaceful resolution in the region?
**Philippe Lazzarini:** That perspective overlooks the immediate humanitarian needs of millions. Punishing a population for the actions of their leaders is rarely productive and often results in deeper issues. A lack of aid exacerbates suffering, which can lead to further unrest. History shows that engagement, not isolation, is essential for peace-building.
**Interviewer:** how can the average citizen rally to influence their governments regarding this issue?
**Philippe Lazzarini:** Citizens can be powerful advocates. They should voice their concerns to their leaders, engage in dialogue on this critical issue, and support organizations working on the ground in Palestine. Raising awareness through social media and community discussions is essential to ensure humanitarian principles are upheld.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Lazzarini, for your insights. This is certainly a topic worth debating.
**Discussion Prompt for Readers:** Considering the potential consequences of the Knesset’s ban on UNRWA, do you believe that withholding humanitarian aid can ever lead to a positive outcome in conflict situations? What long-term effects could arise from limiting assistance to the Palestinian people?
