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Key Takeaways: UNRWA and the Gaza Crisis
1. The Dilemma of "Temporary" Status
Lazzarini notes that UNRWA was established over 75 years ago as a temporary bridge. Its continued existence is not a failure of the agency, but a "political absence"—the failure of the international community to secure a permanent political solution.
The Shift: UNRWA has evolved from an emergency provider to a "human development organization," essentially acting as a state surrogate by providing healthcare and education.
2. Education as a Last Bastion of Hope
Despite the loss of land and homes, Lazzarini highlights that education has historically been the one asset that could not be taken from Palestinians.
The Crisis: Nearly two years of continuous bombardment have left hundreds of thousands of children traumatized and living in rubble.
The Risk: Lazzarini warns that waiting for full reconstruction before resuming schooling will result in a "lost generation," sowing the seeds for future extremism.
3. Contradictions in International Funding
A central point of the discussion was the "contradiction" in donor behavior.
Funding Gaps: Some nations express concern for civilian suffering while simultaneously suspending or conditioning funds to the agency with the largest footprint in Gaza.
Beyond Food: Lazzarini stresses that humanitarian aid must include vaccines, clean water, and schooling—services he argues only UNRWA can provide at scale.
4. The "War of Narratives"
The Commissioner-General emphasized the difficulty of reporting the truth on the ground:
Journalist Access: As of early 2026, no international journalists have been allowed into Gaza since the start of the conflict.
Disinformation: The region is subject to a "war of narratives," making the role of persistent, critical journalism vital to counter disinformation.
5. The Role of the Church
The meeting with Pope Leo XIV serves as a signal of solidarity. For Lazzarini, the Church’s support provides:
Validation: A message to Palestinians that they have not been entirely abandoned.
Operational Space: A plea to the international community to view UNRWA as a necessary asset for building future Palestinian institutions, rather than an obstacle.
Current Statistics at a Glance
| Metric | Status/Impact |
| Duration of Conflict | Nearly 2 years (as of Jan 2026) |
| Education Status | Hundreds of thousands of children out of school/living in rubble |
| Institutional Age | 70+ years of operation |
| Media Access | Zero international journalists allowed entry since start of war |
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