AOC: US aid to UNRWA should resume immediately

[muriel_volestrangler]

63. The UNHCR does not have a mandate to operate in the Palestinian territories

UNRWA was created first (with Israel and Arab states voting for it), in 1949; UNHCR in 1950, originally for refugees in Europe

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNRWA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_High_Commissioner_for_Refugees

But one must hope that a ceasefire becomes the first step towards embarking again – finally! – on the path towards a solution. Over many years, including those in which I headed UNRWA, I have observed how solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was always described as ‘elusive’: but it has not been elusive; it has been repeatedly and deliberately neglected, cast aside as something no longer necessary, and almost ridiculed. Dealing with the chronic resurgence of violence, followed by temporary ceasefires, was deemed more expedient than focusing on a real peace; one able to provide Israelis and Palestinians with the rights, recognition, security, and statehood that they deserve. I hope that now, amidst the horrors of war, we can at least see how grave a miscalculation that has been. There will be no peace in the region, and in the world, without a just solution to the Israeli and Palestinian conflict, including the end of the Israeli occupation. I hope that the remarks by the Secretary-General here in the Council last week will help everybody reflect on the need to turn this somber page, difficult as it may be: because it is vital.

And the opposite is deeply troubling. While UNHCR does not have a mandate to operate in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (and let me pay tribute here especially to UNRWA, my former organization, and other humanitarian staff for their heroic work, and express my deepest condolences for the now 67 colleagues who have been killed), it is clear that this latest and deadliest round of violent conflict risks infecting the wider region and beyond with catastrophic consequences – including in places where UNHCR is very much present and working to help protect and assist the displaced and solve their plight.

https://www.unhcr.org/news/speeches-and-statements/high-commissioner-s-statement-united-nations-security-council

The point is that UNHCR don't operate in cities under active attack (reminder: Gaza is about the size and population of Queens). They don't get told "you are the people primarily responsible for feeding and sheltering 2 million people in a city under active attack, who cannot move from that city, when you don't operate there already".

And that's why AOC, and the NGOs, are right.