As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to devastate Gaza, the Holy See has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Vatican’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, emphasized UNRWA’s “crucial role” in addressing the humanitarian crisis and urged all UN Member States to either maintain or resume their contributions to the agency.
UNRWA, established in 1949 to provide relief, health, and education services to Palestinians displaced by the Arab-Israeli wars, relies almost entirely on voluntary contributions. The agency faced scrutiny earlier this year following allegations that 12 of its 13,000 employees were involved in the October 7 Hamas attack. In response, 16 donors, including the United States, paused their funding. However, many, including the European Union and Germany, have resumed their support based on the agency’s assurances and the urgent need for humanitarian aid.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini announced in March that serious measures were taken, including the dismissal of the employees in question. Archbishop Caccia, addressing the UN General Assembly, reiterated the Holy See’s backing of UNRWA’s mandate and stressed the importance of maintaining the agency’s neutrality to ensure it can continue fulfilling its mission as outlined in the 1949 UN resolution.
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