UNRWA Chief: Ceasefire Is the Start, Not the Solution
January 17, 2025
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but its chief has warned that it is only a starting point and not a lasting solution to the conflict.
“We welcome the ceasefire and hope that it will hold,” said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. “But we must not forget that this is only the start of a long and difficult process.”
Lazzarini pointed to the immense suffering that the conflict had caused, with thousands of people killed and injured, and over 2 million people displaced from their homes. He also highlighted the severe damage to infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and water systems.
“The ceasefire must be used as an opportunity to address the root causes of the conflict,” Lazzarini said. “This means addressing the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza, as well as the political and economic issues that have led to this situation.”
UNRWA is already providing emergency aid to those affected by the conflict, including food, water, shelter, and medical care. However, Lazzarini said that more long-term support is needed.
“We need to rebuild the lives of those who have been affected by this conflict,” he said. “We need to provide them with education, healthcare, and other essential services.”
Lazzarini also called for an end to the blockade of Gaza, which has severely restricted the movement of people and goods in and out of the territory.
“The blockade has caused immense suffering and must be lifted,” he said. “It is an obstacle to peace and development.”
The UNRWA chief urged the international community to work together to find a lasting solution to the conflict. He said that this would require a political solution that addressed the underlying issues, as well as a commitment to human rights and international law.
“We cannot afford to wait any longer,” Lazzarini said. “The people of Gaza have suffered enough. We need to work together to build a better future for them.”
UNRWA chief: Ceasefire is the start, not the solution
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