The United Nations has strongly denounced remarks made by David Mencer, an Israeli government spokesperson, accusing Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), of being a “terrorist sympathiser.” Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, labeled Mencer’s comments as “reprehensible” and “downright dangerous.”
In a videotaped speech, Mencer alleged that UNRWA had been infiltrated by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, criticizing Lazzarini’s leadership as detrimental rather than supportive of peace efforts. Dujarric emphasized the inflammatory nature of Mencer’s rhetoric, highlighting its potential to endanger Lazzarini’s safety in an already volatile environment.
UNRWA, tasked with providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and supporting Palestinian refugees globally, has faced ongoing scrutiny and accusations from Israel. Despite claims of connections to terrorists, a UN-authorized independent review found no credible evidence to support such allegations, prompting the reinstatement of international donor support to the agency.
The escalating rhetoric underscores broader tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with UNRWA remaining a critical lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees despite ongoing challenges and attacks on its facilities
