Vatican at UN expresses grave concern for people of Gaza

Archbishop Christophe Z El Kassis

Source: Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations

Today, 12 November 2026, in New York, His Excellency Archbishop Christophe Z El Kassis, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, reaffirmed the Holy See's appreciation for the essential work of UNRWA, expressing deep concern over the continued suffering and insecurity of Palestinian refugees.

Referring to the recent severe flooding in Gaza, he stressed the urgent need to ensure sufficient humanitarian assistance for civilians enduring unacceptable living conditions.

He also paid tribute to UNRWA personnel who have lost their lives in the fulfilment of their humanitarian mission, emphasizing the importance of respecting international humanitarian law, protecting humanitarian personnel and ensuring safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access.

Furthermore, he underscored the importance of respecting the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and expressed concern over measures hindering UNRWA's operations, particularly the closure of schools and health centres in occupied East Jerusalem. Highlighting the Agency's educational mission, he stressed that education must promote mutual respect, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, helping future generations overcome the cycle of violence and hostility. He also reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding UNRWA's mandate, ensuring strict adherence to the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence, and providing adequate, predictable and sustained financial support.

Finally, Archbishop El Kassis emphasized that humanitarian assistance cannot replace the urgent need for a just and lasting political solution. He reiterated the Holy See's support for a negotiated two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within internationally recognized borders, and with an internationally guaranteed special status for Jerusalem. He stressed that a lasting peace respecting the legitimate aspirations of both peoples would contribute to stability throughout the Middle East.

The full text of the statement follows.

Statement by HE Archbishop Christophe Z. EL KASSIS,
Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations
at the Fourth Committee under Agenda item 47:
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly

New York, 12 November 2026

Mr. Chair,

For over seven decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has been providing Palestinian refugees in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria with schools, clinics, food assistance and essential social services.

My Delegation remains deeply concerned by the ongoing plight of Palestinian refugees whose suffering, insecurity and uncertainty have persisted for far too long. Behind statistics and institutional discussions are millions of women, men and children whose God-given dignity, fundamental rights and legitimate aspirations demand a more decisive response and greater solidarity from the international community.

Moreover, the recent severe flooding that inundated displacement camps and destroyed the makeshift shelters, which Palestinians in Gaza had erected to protect themselves in the absence of adequate housing, emphasises the extreme urgency of allowing sufficient humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip. This aid is needed to provide relief to a civilian population that continues to endure unacceptable living conditions.

Mr Chair,

My Delegation is deeply saddened by the loss of UNRWA personnel who have died while carrying out their humanitarian mission. It is essential that all parties respect International Humanitarian Law, ensuring the safe, sustained and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance and the protection of humanitarian personnel, as well as respect for United Nations premises, for UNRWA to function effectively.

In this context, it is crucial to recall both the importance of respecting the privileges and immunities of the United Nations, including the inviolability of its premises, and Israel's obligations in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations and other international organisations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Furthermore, there are considerable concerns about measures that hinder UNRWA's work, such as the closure of schools and health centres in occupied East Jerusalem.

In this regard, particular attention ought to be given to UNRWA's educational mission. Schools must be places where children can learn and develop their talents, while acquiring values such as mutual respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. Education should promote a culture of peace and respect for the dignity of every human person.

If future generations are to break the cycle of distrust, fear, hostility and suffering that has affected both Palestinians and Israelis, education for peace is essential. Schools can help ensure that tragedies such as the heinous terrorist attacks of 7th October 2023 are never repeated by teaching children to recognise the human dignity of others, to reject all forms of hatred, to ensure that any action in self-defence must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law and above all that differences are resolved through dialogue rather than violence.

Children should be able to grow up with the confidence that their future will not be shaped by violence. Palestinians and Israelis both have the right to live in peace and security.

Mr Chair,

It is crucial to safeguard UNRWA's mandate, which was extended until 30th June 2029 by Resolution 80/78. This Resolution acknowledges the Agency's commitment to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. Adherence to these principles is indispensable. Neutrality must govern the recruitment and conduct of personnel, the use of premises and the provision of services.

It is also important to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review, particularly those relating to the provision of educational materials. Additionally, credible allegations of breaches must be promptly investigated, and substantiated violations must be addressed.

Furthermore, any consideration of the Agency's future must be within the remit of the General Assembly. My Delegation also recalls the financial pledge reaffirmed by the Holy See last June and urges Member States to demonstrate their support through adequate, predictable and sustained contributions.

Mr Chair,

The Holy See emphasises that humanitarian assistance, however essential it may be, cannot replace the urgent need for a just and lasting political solution. Therefore, the question of Palestinian refugees must remain high on the international agenda, alongside efforts to achieve a negotiated two-State solution, with the State of Israel and the State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security within internationally recognised borders, and with an internationally guaranteed special status for Jerusalem.

A just and lasting peace that respects the legitimate aspirations of both peoples would benefit the entire Middle East and advance the cause of peace throughout the world.

Thank you, Mr Chair.