Palestinians’ rights matter, says UNRWA chief
GENEVA, Feb 7 (Reuters) – The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees said on Tuesday that the rights of Palestinians must be respected and defended, amid growing concern about a rise in violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said in a statement that the agency was “deeply concerned” about the recent escalation of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“The rights of Palestinians must be respected and defended,” Lazzarini said. “UNRWA calls on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and human rights law, and to refrain from any actions that could further escalate the situation.”
The UNRWA chief also called for an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying that “only a just and lasting peace can bring stability to the region.”
“The Palestinian people have the right to live in peace and security, with dignity and self-determination,” Lazzarini said. “UNRWA remains committed to supporting the Palestinian people in their quest for a just and lasting peace.”
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for decades, and there have been numerous attempts to resolve it. However, a peace agreement has not yet been reached.
The recent escalation of violence in the conflict has raised concerns about a possible full-scale war between Israel and the Palestinians. However, both sides have said that they do not want a war.
The UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide assistance to Palestinian refugees who were displaced from their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. The agency provides a range of services to Palestinian refugees, including education, healthcare, and food assistance.
The UNRWA has been criticized by some for its alleged bias towards the Palestinians. However, the agency has defended its work, saying that it is providing essential services to a vulnerable population.
Palestinians’ rights matter, says UNRWA chief
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