In light of international criticism of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), particularly over allegations that some of its staff may have been involved in the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October, Luxembourg has reiterated its support for the agency during a bilateral meeting with the UNRWA Commissioner-General in Brussels, Philippe Lazzarini, citing its irreplaceable role in delivering humanitarian aid, education, and healthcare to millions of people in the Gaza Strip.
According to a press release issued by the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel stated that many people in Gaza are entirely reliant on the agency’s assistance, especially in the midst of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He referred to the sheer scale of UNRWA’s work, and emphasised that there is currently “no realistic alternative” to the agency’s operations in the region, according to the press release.
During the meeting, Bettel expressed deep concern about the UNRWA’s current situation and criticised recent moves by the Israeli government to enact laws that would effectively end the agency’s activities in the occupied Palestinian territories – an action which, he warned, could further worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian situation, as noted in the press release.
He also referred to recent statements by Israeli authorities about a possible limited resumption of aid to Gaza, stressing that this falls short of the desired outcome. Bettel insisted on the urgent need for large-scale, immediate, and unhindered humanitarian access, in line with the core humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. Only such a response, he said, can begin to address the crisis and prevent the worsening threat of famine, according to the press release.
Luxembourg also supports efforts to ensure UNRWA’s neutrality and accountability, notably through the implementation of the Colonna report recommendations – the outcome of an independent review led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. As part of this process, Luxembourg has seconded an expert to assist with carrying out the proposed reforms and to strengthen the agency’s internal capacity, as outlined in the press release.
The press release also explains that most recently, on 20 May, Luxembourg joined a broad coalition of countries in signing a joint statement calling for the unconditional and immediate resumption of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, in full compliance with international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles.
