UNRWA - United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

09/17/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2021 00:49

Exchange of views with the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee, Introductory Remarks of the UNRWA Commissioner-General

In Gaza, poverty and trauma are rampant from 4 conflict, including last May, and 14 years of blockade. UNRWA provides food assistance to about 70% of the population in Gaza as unemployment is skyrocketing. And the security situation remains volatile with fears that a new conflict can erupt in the absence of a genuine political trajectory.

The situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem is tense and volatile. Hundreds of people continue to live with the daily threat of evictions and demolitions.

Widespread violence, excessive use of force by Israeli Security Forces and weak accountability have injured or killed more Palestinians so far in 2021 than in any of the last 4 years. Settler violence is also rising in a climate of impunity.
Lebanon is on the brink of total collapse. Half the population lives below the poverty line today. Almost all Palestine refugees in the country, around 210,000 are unable to cover their basic needs. Employment opportunities for Palestine refugees, including as daily paid workers, are almost inexistent. Anger and anxiety are boiling in Palestine refugee camps, and there are now frequent sit-ins and demonstration in front of UNRWA premises in Lebanon to ask for more support.