Statement to the UNGA 78 – Fourth Committee
Agenda item 49: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
New York, 6 November 2023
Madam Chair,
In recent weeks, there has been an unprecedented escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine, resulting in deplorable levels of suffering.
The Holy See reiterates its condemnation of the terrorist attack carried out on 7 October by Hamas and other armed groups against the Israeli population, which brutally killed 1400 people, wounded many others, and took others hostage in Gaza. The Holy See renews the appeal of Pope Francis for their immediate release. As the Pope has clearly stated, terrorism and extremism fuel hatred, violence and revenge, and only cause mutual suffering.[1]
Madam Chair,
At the same time the Holy See expresses its concern at the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the loss of thousands of innocent Palestinian lives, including many children, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, and the indiscriminate suffering of the population, which has been caused, inter alia, by the lack of food, fuel and medical supplies. As in any conflict, the Holy See calls for the absolute protection of each and every civilian. Furthermore, it is imperative that hospitals and medical facilities, refugee camps, schools, as well as places of worship and their premises, are not targeted by anyone.
The Holy See echoes the appeal made yesterday by Pope Francis “I beg you to stop: cease using weapons! I hope that avenues will be pursued so that an escalation of the conflict might be absolutely avoided, so that the wounded can be rescued and help might get to the population of Gaza where the humanitarian situation is extremely serious. May the hostages be freed immediately.”[2] “Let everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian disaster,”[3] while keeping humanitarian corridors open to allow aid to reach the entire population and to heal the wounded.[4]
In these dark hours, the Holy See encourages once more the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA is proving to be crucial not only in promoting human development and providing humanitarian services to Palestinian refugees, including those settled in neighbouring countries, but also as a source of much-needed hope that a peaceful future is possible and achievable. In this regard, the Holy See recommends that UNRWA’s work in the field of education should serve as a foundation for peace. In the face of growing despair, it can help to give to every young Palestinian refugee the opportunity “to shape his or her own future” and to participate in the urgent task of fostering a culture of encounter and combating every form of terrorism.[5]
We pay tribute also to the high number of UNRWA personnel that have already lost their lives in the recent days. We express our deep condolences to their families.
Given the essential nature of the mandated services provided by UNRWA, my delegation reiterates its concern at the growing gap between the services required and the expenditure available through the voluntary contributions, which are the main source of funding for UNRWA’s budget, especially following the crisis experienced by Palestine refugees in Gaza.
Madam Chair,
The only lasting response to the plight of Palestinian refugees is a just peace that meets the legitimate demands of both Palestinians and Israelis. Achieving such a settlement based on the two-State solution, requires a cessation of current hostilities, and the de-escalation of tensions, including at the regional level. It is important that the legitimate authorities of the State of Palestine and the authorities of the State of Israel, with the support of the entire international community, demonstrate the audacity to renew their commitment to a peace based on justice and mutual respect. Although the path of dialogue seems very narrow at present, it is the only viable option for a lasting end to the cycle of violence that has engulfed this land, so dear to Christians, Jews and Muslims. And, as Pope Francis said, "I urge believers to take just one side in this conflict: that of peace."[6]
Thank you, Madam Chair.
[1] Cf. Pope Francis, General Audience, 11 October 2023.
[2] Pope Francis, Angelus, 5 November 2023.
[3] Pope Francis, General Audience, 18 October 2023.
[4] Cf. Pope Francis, Angelus, 15 October 2023.
[5] Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti, 187.
[6] Pope Francis, General Audience, 18 October 2023.