UN chief: UNRWA still exists because of ‘political failure’
Ban Ki-moon calls for resumption of Palestinian-Israeli peace talks; Israeli deputy envoy says agency oversteps its mandate, adopts Palestinian narrative
UNITED NATIONS — Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon used the 65th anniversary of the UN agency that helps Palestinian refugees to appeal Tuesday for an immediate resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations and an end to unilateral actions “that erode trust.”
Ban told a UN conference marking the anniversary of the UN Relief and World Agency that UNRWA was never meant to exist for 65 years, but “it exists because of political failure.”
UNRWA Commissioner-General Pierre Krahenbuhl said there are over 5 million registered Palestinian refugees in the region today, which “equates to the population of Norway or Singapore.”
He said they “face an existential crisis on many fronts,” blockaded in Gaza by Israel, living under fear of detention by the Israeli army in the West Bank, and trapped by “a merciless siege and violence” in the Yarmouk refugee camp outside the Syrian capital Damascus.
“Their isolation, exclusion and dispossession represent a time bomb for the region, a denial of dignity and rights that must be addressed,” Krahenbuhl said.
He said 65 percent of registered Palestinian refugees are under the age of 25, educated but unemployed, “determined to engage but with few prospects and limited freedom of movement to do so.” He warned that this “will lead many to despair or increasing numbers to choose dangerous routes across the Mediterranean or beyond.”
Hanan Ashrawi, the special representative of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, said the refugee population now spans four generations and continues “to endure grave hardships and deprivation,” upheavals and successive conflicts.
Yet, she said, “despite enduring the longest occupation in modern history and despite nearly seven decades of exile endured by millions of Palestine refugees, their national identity remains strong and their conviction in the justness of their cause remains unwavering as they seek to realize their long-denied inalienable rights.”
Israel’s deputy ambassador David Roet accused UNRWA of having a pro-Palestinian political agenda which goes beyond the scope of its humanitarian mandate.
“If this politicization of the refugee issue was not enough, recently, UNRWA left no doubt about how deep its “political mission” goes. UNRWA’s spokesperson clearly stated that one of UNRWA’s goals is to validate the Palestinian narrative. I repeat — to validate the Palestinian narrative. Is ‘validating’ the Palestinian narrative within UNRWA’s mandate? Is this what funding for humanitarian assistance is intended for?” he asked.
Roet said the Palestinians’ claim of the right to return “is a euphemism for the destruction of the state of Israel.”
“This ‘claim’ is the real obstacle to the two-state solution,” Roet said. “The only way to achieve peace is through direct negotiations.”
Roet also accused UNRWA of turning a blind eye to Hamas violations in the Gaza Strip, including during the 50-day Operation Protective Edge last summer.
“UNRWA has often remained silent while Hamas endangers the lives of Palestinians, including refugees, and commits war crimes by using civilian areas to target Israeli citizens. UNRWA spokespeople are quick to make accusations against Israel, but go out of their way to avoid mentioning Hamas.
“UNWRA had over 10,000 employees in Gaza – most of them Palestinian but also many internationals. Where were they when Hamas stockpiled thousands of rockets, many of them in close vicinity to UNWRA facilities. It seems that while they are quick to condemn Israel, when it comes to reporting on Hamas, UNWRA’s employees become blind, deaf, and mute.
While Hamas stockpiled rockets in UNRWA schools in order to launch them at Israel from nearby, the UNRWA press statement only managed to condemn, quote, ‘group or groups responsible.’ Well, the group responsible has a name- Hamas. And it is an internationally recognized terrorist organization,” he said.
“UNRWA’s interference with the political process is beyond the scope of its legitimate activities, and endangers the fulfillment of its mandate,” Roet accused.
