The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, attended a press conference hosted by our Directorate as part of his working visit to our country.
Beginning his address by acknowledging the distinct honour of being in Ankara, Lazzarini emphasised Türkiye's financial, in-kind, and political support for the Palestinian cause at both governmental and public levels. Lazzarini highlighted that the ceasefire established in Gaza has remained fragile for three months, noting that, with the onset of harsh winter conditions in the region, the people of Gaza are facing increasingly challenging circumstances in their fight for survival.
Lazzarini noted that UNRWA provides public services in the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria despite numerous constraints, and stated that, within this context, it continues its work with approximately 12,000 personnel, striving to provide clean water to over one million people, conducting vaccination campaigns, returning 60,000 children to temporary education, and providing online education to 290,000.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that Israel has taken a stance to dismantle the Agency and end its activities in Gaza. Noting that the Agency has been targeted by numerous attacks, Lazzarini mentioned that the new legislation passed by Israel a week ago includes regulations allowing for the electricity and water used at the UNRWA facilities to be cut off and premises belonging to the United Nations to be seized.
Lazzarini emphasised that these practices are a clear violation of international law and reminded the International Court of Justice has issued a binding decision requiring Israel to cooperate with UNRWA. Lazzarini stated that Israel is also acting in violation of this decision.
Lazzarini emphasised that Israel's attacks have had a negative impact not only on them but also on many NGOs operating in the region, noting that as of January 1, 38 NGOs were unable to operate. He also highlighted that, if the Agency is forced to halt its activities, a massive gap will emerge.
Lazzarini stated that the Agency's work in Palestine is extremely valuable and that the Agency should prioritise education against potential future extremism, saying, "We cannot afford to lose a generation."
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, speaking at a press conference, drew attention to Türkiye’s efforts to secure a ceasefire, stating that the country has made significant and effective contributions to the process.
Lazzarini emphasised that Türkiye, which plays a meaningful and critical role in the region, provides substantial support to the Agency’s operations and budget. Underscoring the vital importance of UNRWA’s ability to continue its work, he expressed his gratitude for Türkiye’s political and economic support as well as its humanitarian assistance.
Noting that international law can be easily violated without accountability or consequences, Commissioner-General Lazzarini warned that this paves the way for even greater violations in the future. He stressed that Gaza should not be treated as an exception under international law.
Recalling that, in an unprecedented development in United Nations history, 380 UNRWA staff members have been killed by Israel, Lazzarini stated that, despite Israel’s disinformation and smear campaigns against the Agency and the restrictions faced on the ground, UNRWA continues its operations.
Following the press conference, Deputy Head of the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, İlhami Giray Şahin, presented Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini with the book “Murdering the Truth: Israel's Campaign Against Journalism”, prepared by the Directorate of Communications.
