Humanitarian response in Gaza 'completely dependent' on UNRWA, says relief chief
Peace and Security
It has been another day of intense activity across the UN as the crisis in the Middle East stemming from the war in Gaza continues, both in the region and at UN Headquarters in New York. The Security Council reviewed the world court’s (ICJ) provisional ruling on genocide allegations, and the UN chief briefed the top UN committee on Palestinian rights, stressing that the relief agency, UNRWA, is the "backbone" of humanitarian operations in Gaza.
The Security Council meeting has ended. Here are the main points from the top UN officials on Gaza, the crucial work of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and the international effort to prevent violence from spiralling further.
HIGHLIGHTS
- “UNRWA is the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Palestinian Rights Committee, appealing to all Member States to guarantee the continuity of the agency’s lifesaving work
- The UN chief condemned the attacks by Hamas and other groups and said “the ongoing conflict and relentless bombardment by Israeli forces across Gaza have resulted in killings of civilians and destruction at a pace and scale unlike anything we have witnessed in recent years”
- “The death, destruction, displacement, hunger, loss and grief in Gaza over the last 120 days are a scar on our shared humanity and conscience,” the Secretary-General said
- Addressing the Security Council, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said “decisions to withhold funds from UNRWA must be revoked”
- “To put it bluntly and simply: our humanitarian response for the Occupied Palestinian Territory is completely dependent on UNRWA being adequately funded and operational,” the UN relief chief said, reiterating demands for a ceasefire and compliance with international humanitarian law
- For summaries of this and other UN meetings, visit our colleagues at the UN Meetings Coverage in English and French
Watch the UN chief's full remarks on Wednesday morning below:
1:28 PM
ICJ decision marks ‘decisive victory’: South Africa
South African Ambassador Mathu Joyini said the events of the past few months in Gaza have illustrated that Israel is acting contrary to its international law obligations, including those in terms of the Genocide Convention. The ICJ’s recent order on South Africa’s request for provisional measures in its case against Israel determined that its actions are “plausibly genocidal”.
These measures are directly binding on Israel, she said, adding that there is clearly no credible basis for Israel to continue to claim that its military actions are in full compliance with international law.
“The decision by the court marks a decisive victory for the international rule of law and a significant milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people,” she said.
Following the court’s order, States are now on notice of the existence of a serious risk of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza, imposing an obligation on all nations to cease funding and facilitating Israel’s military actions, which are also considered to be plausibly genocidal, she said.
“Unfortunately, in the days since the court’s decision, we have seen the Israeli Government continue its illegal actions in violation of the court order,” she said, adding that South Africa will continue to do everything within its power to preserve the existence of the Palestinian people as a group, to end all acts of apartheid and genocide against them and to walk with them towards the realization of their collective right to self-determination.
Welcoming the UN’s swift action in investigating allegations against UNRWA staff, South Africa remained extremely concerned about announcement of funding cuts to the agency, she said, reiterating the call for those donors to reconsider their decisions.
1:20 PM
Israel is a victim, facing false accusations
Brett Jonathan Miller, Deputy Permanent Representative of Israel, recalled that on 7 October, a terrorist organization implemented its genocidal agenda, yet none of this has been formally condemned by the Security Council.
“The message to Israeli citizens and to the hostages...has been that your humanity does not matter to us and you do not deserve our attention,” he said.
Instead, the country that is the victim is again facing false accusations. Contrary to Hamas, Israel is committed to comply to the law and to demonstrate humanity. Meanwhile, Hamas’s contempt for the law is never part of the discussions.
The very attempt to level the accusation of genocide against Israel is a distortion of the Genocide Convention, he continued, noting that the same distortion is seen in the attempt to twist the provisional measures ordered by ICJ.
The court stated that its decision does not prejudge the question of its jurisdiction to deal with the case’s merits, he said. It is telling that no one mentioned the court’s call for the release of the hostages, and nothing about the grotesque use of the ICJ has to do with the law, he argued.
The goal is to weaponize the law, he said.
Welcoming the decision of countries to suspend UNRWA funding based on the involvement of some of the agency’s employees in the 7 October attacks, he echoed calls for a full investigation.
Again and again the Security Council has convened to discuss the situation in the Middle East, but it is still unable to condemn the attacks of 7 October. Until it does so, the Security Council will not assume its responsibilities, leaving abandoned the victims of terror, he told ambassadors.
12:52 PM
Israel 'must comply' with world court measures: Palestine
Ambassador Riyad Mansour of the Permanent Observer Mission of the State of Palestine to the UN recalled the “sobering” briefing by relief chief Mr. Griffiths and applauded the “relentless efforts” by UN humanitarians to bring an end to the catastrophe.
He said that the ICJ provisional ruling had “offered a resounding rebuke” to those who claimed that the case of genocide against Israel was meritless and baseless.
“The Court also dismissed the premise that somehow Israel by its very nature would be above the law and could not be accused of committing the crime of genocide,” he added.
He urged everyone to “concentrate” on the provisional measures adopted by the Court, urging them “read it, study it, and re-read” it to know what the measures are and “not what the illusions in the minds of some, of what is not in it".
“It is crystal clear, that the provisional measures adopted by the Court are binding, and Israel must comply with them,” he said.
He noted 13 Security Council members had voted for an immediate ceasefire and 153 Member States also supported the call at the General Assembly.
"It would be criminal not to act to put an end to this war of atrocities”, with the ICJ now recognizing the risk of genocide, he said.
Mr. Mansour said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had spoken like a “true war criminal” when the Israeli premier said “no one will stop us, not the Hague, not the axis of evil and not anyone else.”
UNRWA: A 'remarkable success story'
Mr. Mansour denounced the “outrageous and despicable” claims by Israel against UNRWA, stating that the country has launched campaigns against several top UN officials, including the Secretary-General and refused to grant visas to representatives of UN bodies as “punishment for upholding their mandates”.
“It has, in this assault, killed more than 150 UN staff,” he said, adding that Israel is trying to “dismantle any obstacle” to its plan to “destroy Palestine and the Palestinian people”.
On the charges of collusion against some UNRWA staff, he said they were "serious allegations, and there is a serious investigation".
The principles of humanity, neutrality and independence must be upheld, he said, adding that it is clear that UNRWA and the Secretary-General are committed to these principles, and there is no reason to doubt this commitment.
He said UNRWA was a “remarkable success story” of multilateralism in action.
“We should all be proud that we have an organization like UNRWA in the UN system that has been doing a remarkable job in servicing in a humanitarian way millions of Palestine refugees for 75 years,” he said.
“It is our collective duty to protect it, to fund it" and allow it to continue its humanitarian activities, he said.
12:36 PM
Allegations against UNRWA staff should not discredit entire agency: Russia
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said US-led funding cuts to UNRWA are taking place against a "tragic humanitarian backdrop", and the investigation into allegations against agency staff must consider information coming from both Israel and Palestinian sources.
Suspicions levelled against 12 staff members "should not be used to discredit the entire structure of the agency" and undermine its key activities in providing support to millions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and in neighbouring Arab countries.
He said the Council could not allow UNRWA to run out of funds.
Particularly alarming is the "provocative rhetoric" of a number of representatives of the Israeli leadership, who call for the elimination of UNRWA presence in the enclave and for the forced displacement of Palestinians, he said, adding that such a scenario should not be implemented “under any circumstances”.
It is unfortunate that under the current conditions, the UN Security Council has so far been unable to adopt a single decision demanding an end to violence due to the position of one delegation – the United States, which is giving Israel carte blanche to continue the collective punishment of the Palestinians, he said.
It is clear that the spiral of violence in Gaza will continue until the "long-standing injustice" underlying the conflict has been eliminated and the Palestinian people can realize the right to create their own independent State.
Only a "balanced approach rooted in international law" can lead to sustainable peace, he said.
12:25 PM
Council must push for immediate ceasefire: China
China's Ambassador, Zhang Jun, said the international community has made strong appeals for a ceasefire, and the ICJ has taken forceful action.
Now, it is time for the Security Council to take further action to safeguard justice, save lives and achieve peace, he said.
The ICJ’s provisional measures are a strong response to the need to protect civilians, he continued, adding that China calls for greater diplomatic efforts and an international conference on peace, together with Palestine’s full membership of the United Nations.
Noting the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff members in the 7 October terror attacks in Israel, he said China supports an impartial and objective investigation.
However, the action of a few should not divert attention from the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for a two-State solution, he stated.
“We call on the major donors to reconsider their decision to halt UNRWA funding and to continue to support it during the investigation,” he said.
12:00 PM
Gaza economic recovery could take decades: UN report
According to a new report just released by the UN trade and development body, UNCTAD, the war in Gaza has resulted in an unprecedented level of destruction to the enclave's economy which will take tens of billions of dollars and decades to reverse.
“The possibility and speed of recovery in Gaza will depend on ending the military operation, donors’ engagement and subsequent growth performance,” the agency said.
You can read the full UN News story here.
11:40 AM
Funding cuts are ‘wake-up call’: United States
Addressing the Security Council, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the ICJ’s provisional measures’ order is in line with her delegation’s belief that Israel has a right to defend itself, but how it does so matters, and all operations are bound to respect international humanitarian law.
“While we all agree that more must be done, we must be honest about what the court did not order,” namely a ceasefire, she said. Nor did the court find that Israel violated the Genocide Convention, she added.
“We must instead work towards a solution” through diplomacy, she continued, emphasizing that the US has been working towards a release of the hostages in Gaza, with a proposal on the table that would change the situation on the ground, moving closer towards a cessation of hostilities, she said.
Hamas triggered this crisis, and now it has a choice: to accept or reject the proposal, she said, stressing that any action the Council takes in the coming days must increase pressure on Hamas to make the right decision.
UNRWA funding suspension, not a punishment
Turning to UNRWA funding cuts, she said the US has long been the leading donor to the agency, and the investigation into the actions of some of its employees must be thorough and swift in order to restore donor confidence.
Withholding funds was not a punitive measure, but a wake-up call, she said, adding that UNRWA must ensure fundamental changes so “this does not happen again”.
The path to begin working towards during peace rests on the two-State solution, she said.
“Let us all commit to making this vision a reality.”
11:25 AM
No exceptions to accountability for Gaza crimes: Algeria
Amar Bendjama, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Algeria, said the recent ICJ decision “reaffirms” that the time of impunity has come to an end.
“The United Nations and the international community have committed to ensure that no criminal escapes sanction and accountability,” he said, stating that Israel should not be an exception to this rule.
“It is of the utmost importance to guarantee accountability in order to protect future generations from atrocities such as those being committed today in Gaza,” he said, stressing that the provisional measures imposed by the UN world court must be implemented to protect Palestinian people from genocide.
He stressed that Israel, as the occupying Power, must immediately comply with the provisional measures agreed upon by the court.
“It is incumbent upon the international community to ensure Israel fully complies with those measures,” he said.
11:10 AM
Misery and suffering in Gaza getting worse each day: UN relief chief
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said fierce fighting was continuing around the hospitals in Khan Younis, threatening the wellbeing of thousands and driving thousands more south to Rafah.
“Each day that passes only of course deepens the misery and suffering of people in Gaza and indeed in Israel,” he said.
The number of people killed in Gaza has reportedly surpassed 26,000 and those injured reportedly more than 65,000, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. The vast majority are women and children, he said.
He said more than 60 per cent of housing units have been destroyed or damaged, with some 75 per cent of the total population of Gaza displaced.
"Clean water is almost completely inaccessible," he warned.
Any persons displaced from Gaza must be guaranteed the right to voluntarily return, as international law demands, he continued.
‘Grossly inadequate’ access to those in need
At the same time, the ability of the humanitarian community to reach the people of Gaza with relief remains “grossly inadequate”.
Despite the hazardous conditions on the ground, aid efforts are supporting the remaining bakeries, distributing food items, water, hygiene kits and cleaning kits, tents, tarpaulin sheets and blankets, delivering medicines and medical supplies and helping to relocate patients.
Urgent steps must be taken to ensure rapid unimpeded access, he said, calling for improved security assurances, establishing a predictable flow of supplies and for access to civilians in need across the enclave.
UNRWA is the ‘beating heart’ in Gaza aid effort
“The beating heart of all this is UNRWA,” even as its staff are killed, injured and displaced, he said.
Appalled that some UNRWA employees were allegedly involved in the attacks in Israel on 7 October, he said the agency has taken swift action, and an investigation is underway.
But, UNRWA’s lifesaving services to over three-quarters of Gaza’s residents should not be jeopardized by the alleged actions of a few individuals, he said.
“To put it bluntly and simply: our humanitarian response for the Occupied Palestinian Territory is completely dependent on UNRWA being adequately funded and operational," he said, emphasizing the agency’s “indispensable role” in terms of distribution, warehousing, logistics and human resources, with thousands of staff members responding to the current crisis.
“Decisions to withhold funds from UNRWA must be revoked,” he said.
Reiterating his call for a ceasefire and his demand for compliance with international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and the infrastructure they depend on, he also called for the immediate release of all hostages.
“I urge this Council to do everything in its power to bring this tragedy to an end,” he said.
11:05 AM
The Security Council has just been called to order. The meeting was called by new member Algeria, to discuss the ICJ's provisional ruling on Gaza in the case brought by South Africa, against Israel. Both Israel and Palestine are due to speak, alongside the 15 Council members.
10:51 AM
ICJ ruling offers hope for protection of Gazan civilians enduring ‘apocalyptic conditions’: Rights experts
The landmark ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) offers the first concrete hope to protect civilians in Gaza enduring apocalyptic humanitarian conditions, destruction, mass killing, wounding and irreparable trauma, UN experts said on Wednesday.
“The court order is urgently needed to protect the very existence of the Palestinian people from potentially genocidal actions the court has ordered Israel to halt and prevent,” the experts said.
Last Friday, the world court found it plausible that Israel’s acts could amount to genocide and issued six provisional measures, ordering Israel to, among other things, prevent and punish incitement to genocide, ensure aid and services reach Palestinians under siege in Gaza and preserve evidence of crimes committed. The decision came after South Africa filed a case against Israel in late December.
“We echo the sense of urgency demonstrated by the Court in its short, two-week deliberation, as hundreds of Palestinians are being killed by Israeli forces every day,” the experts said. “The ruling is a significant milestone in the decades-long struggle for justice by the Palestinian people.”
More than 26,000 people have been killed in Gaza – more than one per cent of the enclave’s population – since Israel responded to Hamas attacks on 7 October.
The experts who issued the statement are all UN Special Rapporteurs appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, located in Geneva. They are not UN staff and are not paid for their work.
10:07 AM
'Scar on our shared humanity': Guterres
Addressing the Palestinian Rights Committee, Secretary-General António Guterres underlined the importance of its mandate amidst the unresolved issue of statelessness and the enormous violence and suffering, especially since the horrific 7 October terror attack.
“The death, destruction, displacement, hunger, loss and grief in Gaza over the last 120 days are a scar on our shared humanity and conscience,” he said, condemning the attacks by Hamas and other groups.
“The ongoing conflict and relentless bombardment by Israeli forces across Gaza have resulted in killings of civilians and destruction at a pace and scale unlike anything we have witnessed in recent years,” he added.
UNRWA: 'Backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza'
Mr. Guterres emphasized that the UN acted immediately following the extremely serious allegations implicating UNRWA staffers in the attacks on 7 October.
“I was personally horrified by these accusations,” he said, noting that on Tuesday, he met with donors to listen to their concerns and to outline the steps the Organization is taking to address them.
He reiterated the importance of keeping UNRWA’s vital work going to meet the dire needs of civilians in Gaza and to ensure its continuity of services to Palestine refugees in the occupied West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
“UNRWA is the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza," he said. "I appeal to all Member States to guarantee the continuity of UNRWA’s life-saving work.”
With over 26,000 reportedly killed in the enclave, 1.7 million displaced and massive destruction of civilian infrastructure, including homes and schools, the UN chief underscored the need for all combatants to comply with international law.
ICJ decision 'must be complied with'
“International humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack must be upheld at all times,” he said.
“And the binding decisions of the International Court of Justice must be complied with,” he stressed.
10:04 AM
The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, a body of the General Assembly is meeting for its 2024 session. The Committee unanimously elected Ambassador Cheikh Niang (Senegal) as the Chair. The Vice Chair and Rapporteurs will be elected at a later time.
The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, will brief the Security Council in the meeting starting at 11:00 AM New York time while Secretary-General António Guterres is due to brief the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, which is convening elsewhere in the building.
Later in the day, we expect more details on the UN chief’s meeting Tuesday night with more than 30 donor countries to the UN’s relief agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, some of whom have suspended funding pending the investigation into alleged collusion by a dozen UNRWA workers in the 7 October terror attacks.
The UN''s top humanitarian officials and chiefs of leading NGOs warned overnight of the "catastrophic consequences of defunding UNRWA in even the short-term.
“Withdrawing funds from UNRWA …would result in the collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza, with far-reaching humanitarian and human rights consequences in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and across the region,” warned the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), headed by relief chief Griffiths.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless and “on the brink of famine”, they said, since Israeli bombardment and a ground invasion began after Palestinian militants massacred some 1,200 people in Israeli communities and took more than 250 others hostage on 7 October.
Long road to reconstruction
The UN trade and development body, UNCTAD, is also due to publish its latest report into the devastating impact of war on the society and economy of Gaza since the fighting began. They’ll be outlining how reconstruction can begin when the fighting finally stops. That’s due to be released around 12:00 PM.