In an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), described the international community’s silence regarding the siege, famine, and displacement in the Gaza Strip as a form of complicity.
اضافة اعلان
Lazzarini described the prevailing atmosphere in Gaza as one of panic, fear, and deep anxiety. Residents do not know whether to stay or leave, and even the so-called “humanitarian zones” are not safe.
He expressed a deep fear of permanent displacement, reminiscent of the 1948 Nakba, when Palestinians left and never returned. Lazzarini called it “shameful” that a military operation of this scale is occurring alongside attempts to forcibly displace the already exhausted population of Gaza.
He also emphasized that the famine in Gaza is man-made and avoidable, noting that Israel’s decision to replace UNRWA’s role with the U.S.-supported Gaza Humanitarian Agency reduced food distribution centers from 400 to just 4. As a result, UNRWA has been prevented from delivering aid, despite having enough stock to cover the needs of all Gaza residents for three months.
Lazzarini considered the international response completely insufficient, explaining that despite condemnations and expressions of concern, no concrete steps have been taken to stop the tragedy, prevent famine, or halt forced displacement—or “actions increasingly described as genocide,” even by some Israelis.
He warned of the danger of “normalizing terror”, describing silence and inaction as implicit complicity. He also criticized the double standards in applying international law and human rights.
While stressing the importance of recognizing Palestine, he noted that recognition alone is insufficient and delayed; it must be followed by practical measures and guarantees to protect the rights of the Palestinian state.
Regarding UNRWA, Lazzarini explained that the agency is facing a serious financial crisis, with funding only enough to cover September salaries and no clear plan for the future. Contributions from Arab countries have fallen by 90% this year compared to last, accounting for only 3% of total support, which he said does not reflect the “message of solidarity” these countries wish to convey to Palestinian refugees.
He added that UNRWA will prioritize education, as more than 600,000 Palestinian children need to return to school after experiencing destruction and trauma. Otherwise, an entire generation’s future is at risk. Lazzarini outlined four potential options, including gradually integrating UNRWA into a broader political process aimed at building Palestinian institutions capable of assuming responsibilities, in the context of achieving a two-state solution.
—(Agencies)
