The U.S.-created Board of Peace has held multiple meetings with officials from the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, despite publicly indicating that the agency would have no role in its plans for Gaza, according to former UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini and U.N. officials.
Lazzarini told The Associated Press that members of the Palestinian technocratic committee backed by the Board of Peace have been open to working with UNRWA as plans for Gaza’s reconstruction and future administration develop. Two senior U.N. officials also confirmed that UNRWA and the Palestinian committee have held at least three meetings this year, including one as recently as September.
The developments highlight a gap between the Board of Peace’s public position and behind-the-scenes discussions. A Board of Peace official confirmed that its members had met with UNRWA several times, while saying the agency itself would not have a formal role in Gaza. The official added that some UNRWA programs could continue if they are considered useful to Gaza’s population.
UNRWA remains one of the largest providers of humanitarian and public services in Gaza. The agency says it still has about 11,000 Palestinian employees in the territory, providing health services, water and waste management, education and other assistance.
Lazzarini, whose final working day as UNRWA commissioner-general was March 31, said eliminating the agency entirely could have serious consequences for Gaza’s population because of the scale of its existing operations.
The Board of Peace is pushing ahead with plans for Gaza’s reconstruction and governance following the ceasefire, but its efforts face significant challenges. Israel has prevented the Palestinian committee selected by the Board from entering Gaza, saying Hamas must first disarm, according to the AP report.
The meetings with UNRWA suggest that, despite public disagreements over the agency’s future, its existing infrastructure and workforce remain relevant to discussions about delivering services and rebuilding Gaza.
The latest development could further complicate the debate over UNRWA’s future role in Gaza, particularly as international governments and humanitarian organizations consider how essential services will be maintained during any transition.
Swifteradio.com
