A political solution to end the cycle of conflict in Israel and
Palestine has become a stark “matter of life and death” for
millions in Gaza and beyond, said the head of the UN
relief agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) on Saturday.
Philippe Lazzarini was addressing an emergency summit convened by
the League of Arab States and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
where he called for urgent support for civilians in the Occupied
Palestinian Territory on three fronts.
He called on leaders at the Arab-Islamic summit to "act now to
change the trajectory" of the crisis that began with the Hamas
terror attacks of 7 October.
According to news reports, The Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin
Salman in his opening remarks called for an immediate end to
Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the release of all
hostages and prisoners being held by all parties to the conflict.
The “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza has underlined the failure
of the international community and UN Security Council to end
Israel’s “gross violations of international humanitarian laws”,
he said, adding that Palestinians were victims of double
standards.
‘Dehumanized and abandoned’
The UNRWA chief told
ministers assembled in the Saudi capital from across the Islamic
world that Gazans “feel dehumanized and abandoned”, yearning for
reassurance that their plight is being recognized by “Arab and
Muslim brothers and sisters”.
He said beyond Gaza, the West Bank is also at “boiling point”
while the Lebanon-Israel border is “simmering with tension”.
Mr. Lazzarini highlighted the desperation he had seen for himself
in Gaza last week: “Every little girl and boy I met in an UNRWA
shelter asked me for bread and water. Children used to learn and
laugh in the school I visited.
“Now, the school is an overcrowded shelter that lacks
the minimum standards for a dignified life.”
He mourned the loss of 101 UNRWA colleagues during the Israeli
bombardment, noting that UN flags will be lowered to half-mast
worldwide on Monday to honour them.
Ceasefire paramount
The UNRWA chief said his first urgent request for support was to
achieve a humanitarian ceasefire “with
strict adherence to international humanitarian law” that would
prevent further loss of civilian life, including UN facilities
and hospitals.
“I am sure that many of you can influence action on the ground.
No effort should be spared”, he told the summit.
Secondly, he said there must be a meaningful and
continuous flow of humanitarian aid which can match
“the immense humanitarian needs.”
Third he said UNRWA urgently needs both funds, and strong
advocates from across the Arab and African Islamic world.
“UNRWA is not only the largest UN agency in Gaza but also
the last remaining lifeline for 2.2 million people”, he
said. “We can offer much more if we have the
means.”
Finally, he called on leaders to “firmly defend the agency
against false and insidious claims that its schools teach
hatred or that it has let the civilians in Gaza
down. These accusations come from those who want us
to fail.”
‘We must step back from the brink’
A lasting political solution, he said, was the only way to
prevent future cycles of violence:
“A genuine prospect of Palestinian statehood is critical.”
“We must step back from the brink before it’s too
late. I urge you, members of the Arab League and the
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to act now to change the
trajectory of this crisis.”
