Challenges Faced by the UNRWA Commissioner General
Since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza, Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner General of the UNRWA, has been under intense scrutiny from the Israeli government. Upon arriving at the Allenby Bridge, the crossing point between Jordan and the occupied West Bank, Lazzarini no longer enjoys diplomatic immunity. He is subjected to luggage searches and now only receives one-month visas from Israel, compared to a one-year residency permit before the Gaza war.
Israeli Campaign Against UNRWA
Following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in the fall of 2023, where thousands of Palestinians lost their lives, the Israeli government has launched an unprecedented destabilization campaign against the UNRWA. Attempts to discredit the agency with funders, accusations of involvement in attacks, and threats of designating it as a terrorist organization have all been part of Israel’s strategy.
Challenges and Resistance
Despite facing backlash, Philippe Lazzarini has emerged as a more assertive leader, no longer shying away from confrontation. Previously known for his cautious approach, he now confronts accusations of collaboration with Hamas and is actively defending the UNRWA’s mission. Critics have noted his shift from a reactive stance to a more proactive approach in defending the agency’s work.
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