Holy See pledges to continue its financial support to UNRWA
The Vatican’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, confirms that the Holy See will continue to contribute to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and underlines the “crucial role” of UNRWA in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
By Lisa Zengarini
As the war between Israel and Hamas continues to wreak death and destruction in Gaza, the Holy See has pledged to continue its financial support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and encouraged all UN member states to do the same, or resume their contributions to the agency’s “crucial” humanitarian efforts.
Allegations of 12 UNRWA employees’ involvement in October 7 attacks
UNRWA, established in 1949 to provide relief, health and education services to Palestinians who lost their homes and livelihoods during the Arab-Israeli wars and funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions, came under scrutiny earlier this year after Israel claimed that 12 of its 13,000 staff were involved in the October 7 Hamas terror attack.
The initial Israeli allegations led 16 donors, including the United States, to suspend funding to the agency, although many – including the European Union and Germany – have since resumed their contributions, partly because of the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and partly because of assurances from UNRWA that it would take additional steps to mitigate future risks of possible involvement of its staff and assets in terrorist activities.
In March, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said “serious measures” had been taken, including terminating the contracts of the 12 alleged perpetrators.
UNRWA’s crucial role in delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians
Addressing the UN General Assembly on the issue on Friday, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia reiterated the Holy See’s support for the mandate of the UN subsidiary agency.
The Vatican’s Permanent Observer has highlighted UNRWA’s “crucial role” in meeting the basic needs of more than 5 million Palestinian refugees in the Middle East, particularly in the context of the current catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
UNRWA’s neutrality must be preserved
At the same time, he said, the Holy See considers it of the utmost importance to preserve and promote the neutrality of UNRWA so that it can fulfill its mandate in accordance with the 1949 UN resolution.
In his statement, the Vatican diplomat again urged all parties involved in the hostilities in Gaza “to engage in constructive dialogue on peace proposals,” including the one outlined in the U.N. Security Council resolution approved in June calling for a comprehensive three-phase ceasefire agreement.
Msgr. Caccia reiterated the Holy See’s call for a ceasefire on all fronts, the immediate release of all Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, respect for international humanitarian law by all parties involved and the “unhindered” delivery of essential aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza.
In this context, he said, “the Holy See calls for the reopening of all entry points to Gaza to facilitate the delivery of essential humanitarian aid,” especially to children and the needy.
Holy See’s strong appeal for peace and protection of civilians
Msgr. Caccia also strongly reaffirmed the Holy See’s call for the protection of safe places where civilians can find refuge, such as schools, hospitals and places of worship, and its call on all parties to ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel.
The Vatican’s permanent observer concluded by citing one of Pope Francis’ most recent calls for lasting peace in the Holy Land “where the State of Palestine and the State of Israel can live side by side, breaking down the walls of enmity and hatred.”
