Holy See at UN: Obstruction of aid in Gaza a grave violation of humanitarian law

Holy See at UN

Source: Vatican Media, UNRWA

The Holy See has reaffirmed its financial support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), describing the agency as an "essential lifeline" for millions of Palestinian refugees and urging the international community to ensure its work can continue unhindered.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly's Ad Hoc Committee for the Announcement of Voluntary Contributions to UNRWA yesterday, the Holy See's Permanent Observer Mission expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza, where civilians continue to endure violence, displacement and severe hardship.

"For over seven decades, UNRWA has provided education, healthcare, food assistance and social services," the Holy See noted, stressing that the agency offers not only practical support but also "the opportunity to live with dignity."

The statement condemned the killing of UNRWA personnel and attacks on the agency's premises, including schools and other facilities sheltering civilians. It also called for the protection of humanitarian workers and infrastructure, insisting that humanitarian assistance, especially in Gaza, must be delivered safely and without obstruction.

"Such acts exacerbate the suffering of those already living in precarious conditions and constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law," the Holy See said.

The appeal comes as humanitarian conditions across the Occupied Palestinian Territory continue to deteriorate. Despite the ceasefire announced in late 2025, violence persists in Gaza, while aid agencies warn that access restrictions, funding shortages and damage to civilian infrastructure continue to hamper relief efforts. More than 70 percent of Gaza's population now relies on trucked water, while shortages of shelter, healthcare and sanitation remain acute.

At the same time, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that UNRWA itself is approaching a "breaking point" because of a funding shortfall of around 100 million US dollars. (as of 31 January 2024 15 countries, including the USA and UK stopped funding UNRWA after a few staff members were accused of supporting Hamas). The agency has already reduced services and implemented austerity measures, even as it continues to support millions of Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Against this backdrop, the Holy See announced the renewal of its financial pledge to UNRWA, describing the contribution as "a concrete expression of solidarity with Palestinian refugees and confidence in the Agency's humanitarian mission."

The Holy See also underlined that UNRWA requires "adequate, predictable and sustainable support" to fulfil its mandate effectively. It stressed that the agency's work must continue to be guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, which are essential to maintaining its credibility and effectiveness.

Concluding its intervention, the Holy See reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding UNRWA's mandate, recalling that the agency was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1949. Any discussion regarding its future, the statement said, should take place within that multilateral framework rather than through unilateral measures.

The full Statement of thePermanent Observer Mission of the Holy See at the meeting follows:

Mr President,

The Holy See wishes to express its appreciation for the important work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). During this time of ongoing suffering and profound uncertainty, UNRWA's assistance remains an essential lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees. For over seven decades, UNRWA has provided them with education, healthcare, food assistance and social services, offering protection, support and the opportunity to live with dignity.

In this regard, my Delegation is deeply concerned about the killing of UNRWA personnel and the attacks against UNRWA premises in the territories of the State of Palestine, including schools and other facilities where civilians have sought refuge. Moreover, it is of utmost importance that the delivery of humanitarian assistance is not be impeded, particularly in Gaza. Such acts exacerbate the suffering of those already living in precarious conditions and constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

The Holy See reiterates the urgent need to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel and humanitarian infrastructure, as well as to ensure safe, sustained, and unhindered humanitarian access.

Mr. President,

In recognition of UNRWA's indispensable services, the Holy See is pleased to reaffirm today its financial pledge of support as a concrete expression of solidarity with Palestinian refugees and confidence in the Agency's humanitarian mission.

In order to carry out its mandate effectively, UNRWA requires adequate, predictable and sustainable support. This support must be accompanied by the Agency's continued and steadfast adherence to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. Faithfully observing these principles is fundamental to preserving the Agency's credibility and ensuring it can fullfill its mandate as a trusted instrument of solidarity and peace.

Finally, my Delegation wishes to underscore the importance of safeguarding UNRWA's mandate. Established by the General Assembly Resolution N. A/RES/302 (IV) on 8 December 1949, any deliberation concerning the Agency's future must therefore take place within that framework, as an expression of the collective will and shared responsibility of Member States and should not be determined by unilateral measures.

Thank you, Mr President.