New York (Web Desk/Agencies): Pakistan has raised alarms about the potential risks associated with dismantling the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
During a briefing at the UN Security Council (UNSC), Pakistan's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Munir Akram, stated that by targeting UNRWA, Israel aims to dismantle not only the humanitarian structures vital to Palestinian welfare but also to undermine the very identity and rights of the Palestinian people.
"The role of UNRWA is crucial for the successful implementation of ceasefires, providing essential humanitarian aid, and rebuilding Gaza," Ambassador Akram remarked during the Security Council meeting, which was attended by all 15 members. He added that for over seventy years, UNRWA has stood as a symbol of hope for millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.
Highlighting the significance of UNRWA's services, Ambassador Akram pointed out that the agency's vast network of schools, health facilities, and humanitarian services continues to be indispensable in delivering life-saving aid, enabling the resumption of education for children, and offering healthcare to the suffering Palestinian population.
He also emphasized that UNRWA's continued presence is crucial for the reconstruction of Gaza.
"Israel, as the occupying power, has no authority to shut down any UN facility, including the UNRWA office in East Jerusalem, or any other UN establishment in the Occupied Palestinian Territory under the UN's mandate," the Ambassador stated, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for the agency.
The Ambassador referred to the report of former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, who was commissioned by the UN Secretary-General to investigate the situation, and condemned Israel’s actions as obstructive to UNRWA’s work.
He also shared concern over the heavy toll faced by UNRWA personnel, mentioning that 270 staff members had tragically lost their lives in attacks. He reiterated that by targeting UNRWA, Israel seeks not only to dismantle vital humanitarian structures but also to erode Palestinian identity and their fundamental rights.
Emphasizing the legal framework, Ambassador Akram cited Israel’s obligations under Article 2 (5) of the UN Charter to assist UNRWA, as well as a General Assembly resolution that condemns Israeli measures hindering the agency’s operations.
"Pakistan remains deeply concerned about these actions and stands in firm solidarity with the Palestinian people," he affirmed, calling for an inclusive process that would bring about a two-state solution as the key to resolving the Middle East conflict.
"We must resist actions aimed at erasing the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood. Instead, we should take concrete steps to make the two-state solution a reality," he added.
Opening the discussion, Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of UNRWA, strongly criticized
Israeli legislation, stating that it "makes a mockery of international law" by imposing severe restrictions on the agency's ability to function. Despite these challenges, Lazzarini declared, "We are committed to staying and delivering until it is no longer possible to do so."
Established in the aftermath of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, UNRWA's mandate is to provide vital services, including food, healthcare, shelter, and education, to Palestinian refugees displaced by the conflict, as well as their descendants.
In response to an Israeli letter regarding the agency, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Israel to reverse its actions, stating that under international law, Israel is required to support UNRWA's operations, not hinder them.
The UN chief also addressed Israeli concerns regarding potential ties between UNRWA staff and Hamas, asserting that the matter was being taken seriously and that appropriate measures had been taken.
