UNRWA Commissioner-General on the ICJ hearing on the presence and activities of the United Nations and other organisations in the occupied Palestinian territory

28 April 2025

From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)

I welcome the ICJ hearing on the presence and activities of the United Nations and other organisations in the occupied Palestinian territory.

UNRWA and other agencies are present in the occupied Palestinian territory to address overwhelming needs.
The Agency’s services must continue unobstructed until there is a just and lasting solution to the plight of Palestine Refugees.

Unlawful restrictions on the work of UNRWA and other organisations hamper the delivery of assistance to people in need.

The laws passed by the Parliament of Israel against UNRWA impact the agency’s ability to fulfill its mandate.

The no contact policy under the Knesset laws bans Israeli officials from coordinating or communicating with UNRWA officials, obstructing the delivery of essential relief services and aid.

Since these restrictions came into effect at the end of January, UNRWA international staff have not received visas to enter Israel.

This is banning them from entering the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip where over 2 million people rely on the Agency services and assistance.

Several UNRWA facilities including schools in occupied East Jerusalem are also threatened by closure orders from the Israeli Authorities. Some 800 children are likely to miss out on finishing the school year if their schools are forced closed.

As an occupying power, the State of Israel must provide services or facilitate their delivery- including through UNRWA- to the population it is occupying.

This is a clear direction from the international community, through the UN General Assembly.

All parties to the conflict, including the State of Israel, must comply with all their obligations under international law at all times.

They must respect and protect United Nations personnel at all times.