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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 and emphasizes UNRWA’s “crucial role” in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
By Lisa Zengarini
As the war between Israel and Hamas continues to cause death and destruction in Gaza, the Holy See has pledged to continue its financial support to 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 support the Agency’s “crucial” humanitarian efforts.
Allegations about the involvement of 12 UNRWA staff in the 7 October attacks
UNRWA, which was established in 1949 to provide relief, health and education services to Palestinians who lost their homes and livelihoods during the Arab-Israeli wars and is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions, came under scrutiny earlier this year after Israel alleged that 12 of its 13,000 staff were involved in the October 7 Hamas terror attack.
The initial Israeli allegations prompted 16 donors, including the United States, to suspend funding to the agency, although many — including the European Union and Germany — have resumed contributions, based in part on the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza and in part on reported 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 culprits.
UNRWA’s crucial role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians
Addressing the UN General Assembly on the matter on Friday, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia reiterated the Holy See’s support for the mandate of the UN subsidiary agency.
The Permanent Observer of the Vatican highlighted UNRWA’s “crucial role” in meeting the basic needs of more than 5 million Palestinian refugees in the Middle East, especially in the context of the current catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
It is necessary to preserve the neutrality of UNRWA
At the same time, he said, the Holy See considers it of “extreme importance to preserve and promote the neutrality of UNRWA so that it can fulfill its mandate in accordance with the 1949 UN resolution.
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In his statement, the Vatican diplomat again called on all parties involved in the hostilities in Gaza “to engage in a constructive dialogue on peace proposals,” including the one outlined in the UN Security Council Resolution passed in June calling for a comprehensive three-phase ceasefire agreement.
Archbishop 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 into Gaza to facilitate the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance,” especially to children and those in need.
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The Holy See’s insistent appeal for peace and the protection of civilians
Archbishop 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 Permanent Observer of the Vatican concluded by citing one of Pope Francis’ most recent compelling appeals for lasting peace in the Holy Land, “where the State of Palestine and the State of Israel can live side by side, tearing down the walls of enmity and hatred.”