UN aid agency boss Philippe Lazzarini fights criticism from Israel: “It is not true that UNRWA has done nothing.”

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The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) is facing threats to its survival following the Hamas attack on Israel. He is accused of having close ties to the terrorist organization. UNRWA employees are said to have been involved in the attack. Israel also claims to have discovered a Hamas data center in a bunker directly beneath UNRWA headquarters in Gaza.

That has consequences. Many donor countries have suspended their financial support until further notice. An independent investigation was launched. Ambassador Philippe Lazzarini (60) is also under pressure in Switzerland. However, the Geneva resident wants to remain at the head of the aid organization as general commissioner and emphasized the importance of the institution in an interview with the “NZZ”.

“We are in an existential crisis today”

“We are in an existential crisis today,” Lazzarini admits to the NZZ, but at the same time makes it clear that he has no plans to leave his post: “I don’t think it would be wise to abandon ship at such a time to close. a period of leave.” Because it is not just about him personally, but about the dissolution of the agency. “My resignation would not change that, because the goal would remain the same.”

At the same time, however, Lazzarini is hopeful that most countries will release their aid funds again: “Many of the countries I am in contact with are ready to return. Because they are aware of the catastrophe that would result if UNRWA could no longer fulfill its mandate.” It is the only organization that provides government-like services to one of the poorest population groups. There is currently no alternative to UNRWA, he emphasizes.

“We have a management that understands the criticism”

Lazzarini still feels supported by the UN. “We have management that understands the criticism,” he says. Neither the UN General Assembly nor Secretary-General António Guterres (74) have yet called for his resignation, Lazzarini emphasized to the Italian-language Swiss television RSI. UNRWA has invested heavily to fix what can be fixed in an extremely complex environment. “We have introduced zero tolerance for any deviation from UN standards. We are committed to this.”

Lazzarini reiterates that he has so far had no indications that there could be a Hamas bunker under the UNWRA headquarters. The headquarters were evacuated shortly after the attack in mid-October. “We have not been present in the north of the Gaza Strip for the past four months,” he emphasizes. “In the past, every time we inspected our facilities and discovered a tunnel, we protested with Hamas and informed the Israeli army.” However, after the war, research would be needed to determine the truth.

“It is not true that UNRWA did nothing”

At the same time, Lazzarini emphasized that the twelve employees allegedly involved in the Hamas attack had been immediately fired. The accusations from Israel were so “serious and shocking” that “they require swift and immediate action.” He was also criticized for this. “But in a situation where reputation and ability to fulfill our mandate are at stake, as Commissioner General I can make this decision.”

However, investigations have already been conducted when allegations have arisen. “It is not true that UNRWA did nothing,” says Lazzarini. “We are certainly the UN organization that has invested the most in issues of neutrality.” Moreover, the UN has now ordered an independent investigation. (dba)

Source:Blick