From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)
I echo the IASC principals' statement.
New Israeli restrictions on international NGOs are further compromising the humanitarian operation in the Gaza Strip.
These measures come at a time when people in Gaza need more aid, not less, simply to survive. And they also undermine efforts to assist people affected by record levels of violence in the West Bank.
Coming in the wake of anti-UNRWA legislation, these restrictions are part of a troubling pattern of disregard for international humanitarian law and increasing impediments to aid operations.
This is a dangerous precedent.
Failing to push back against attempts to control the work of aid organizations will further undermine the basic humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence, impartiality and humanity underpinning aid work across the world.
ENDs-
UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.
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Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.
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