UNRWA welcomes the hearing of the International Court of Justice regarding the presence of the United Nations in the occupied Palestinian territory

In a statement on the X website published today, Monday, Lazarini said that UNRWA and other agencies are in the occupied Palestinian land to meet the enormous needs, stressing that UNRWA services must continue without obstacles until a just and permanent solution is reached to the ordeal of Palestine refugees.

He warned that “the illegal restrictions imposed on the work of UNRWA and other organizations hinder the delivery of aid to the needy.” He pointed out that the two laws approved by the Israeli Knesset against UNRWA affect the agency’s ability to perform its mandate.

He added that the “non -communication” policy under the two laws imposes a ban on Israeli officials of coordination or communication with UNRWA staff, which hinders the provision of basic relief services and aid.

He stated that since these restrictions came into effect at the end of January, UNRWA has not obtained visas to enter Israel, which deprives them of reaching the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip, where more than two million people depend on the agency’s services and assistance.

He added that a number of UNRWA facilities, including schools in occupied East Jerusalem, are threatened by the closure orders from the Israeli authorities. About 800 children are expected to be deprived of completing their academic year if their schools are forced to close.

Lazarini said that the State of Israel, as an occupying power, must provide services or facilitate their provision, including through UNRWA, to the population under its occupation. He stressed that this is a clear directive from the international community through the United Nations General Assembly.

The UN official said that all parties to the conflict, including the State of Israel, must completely comply with all its obligations under international law at all times, and it must respect and protect United Nations employees at all times.