Holy See pledges to continue its financial support to UNRWA

By Lisa Zengarini

As the war between Israel and Hamas continues to wreak 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 has encouraged all UN Member States to do the same, or to resume their contributions supporting the Agency’s “crucial” humanitarian efforts.

Allegations over 12 UNRWA employees' involvement in October 7 attacks

UNRWA, which was established in 1949 to provide relief, health, and education services for Palestinians who lost both their homes and their means of livelihood during the Arab-Israeli wars and is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions, came under scrutiny earlier this year after Israel claimed 12 of its 13,000 employees were involved in the 7 October Hamas terrorist attack.

The initial Israeli allegations led 16 donors, including the United States, to pause their funding to the agency, though many — including the European Union and Germany —have since resumed contributions, based partly on the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and partly on UNRWA’s reported assurances that it would take additional measures to mitigate future risks of possible involvement of its staff and assets in terrorist activities.

In March UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, said “serious action” was taken including the termination of the 12 alleged culprits’ contracts.

UNRWA's crucial role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians

Addressing the UN General Assembly on the issue on Friday, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, reiterated the Holy See’s support for the UN subsidiary agency’s mandate.

The Vatican Permanent Observer highlighted the “crucial role” of UNRWA in addressing the basic needs of over 5 million Palestinian refugees in the Middle East, especially in the context of the ongoing catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Need to preserve UNRWA's neutrality

At the same time, he said, the Holy See considers it of the “utmost importance to preserve and promote the neutrality of UNRWA so it can fulfill its mandate in accordance with the 1949 UN resolution.

In his statement, the Vatican diplomat again urged all parties involved in the hostilities in Gaza “to engage in constructive dialogue on peace proposals”,  including the one outlined in the UN Security Council Resolution approved in June calling for a comprehensive three-phase ceasefire deal.

Archbishop Caccia, reiterated the Holy See’s plea for a ceasefire on all fronts, for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, the 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 Gaza’s entry points to facilitate the delivery of the much-needed humanitarian assistance,” especially to children and the needy.

Holy See's insistent plea for peace and protection of civilians

Archbishop Caccia also strongly reaffirmed the Holy See’s plea for the protection of safe havens 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 Vatican Permanent Observer concluded by citing one of Pope Francis’ most recent compelling appeals   for a lasting peace in the Holy Land “where the State of Palestine and the State of Israel can live side by side, breaking down the walls of enmity and hatred.”