UNRWA Engages Gaza Technocrats Secretly Amid Public Criticism

Despite public statements by the "Peace Council" that the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has no place in a post-war Gaza, its technocratic committee is secretly maintaining contact with the agency, according to a report by the Associated Press. Philippe Lazzarini, the former head of UNRWA, stated that members of the Palestinian technocratic committee, appointed by the "Peace Council," wish to cooperate with the agency. Lazzarini also reported that the committee's head, Ali Shaath, indicated that implementing Gaza's governance plans would be difficult without UNRWA's expertise.

A representative for the "Peace Council" confirmed these contacts, acknowledging that while the agency's "days are numbered," its programs might continue if they serve Gaza's residents. UNRWA staff would remain if they pass vetting and adhere to the mandate without promoting Hamas ideology or interests. According to two senior UN officials and a "Peace Council" representative, at least three meetings have occurred between UNRWA and the Palestinian committee this year, with the last in September.

Publicly, the "Peace Council" excludes UNRWA from Gaza's reconstruction partners due to alleged infiltration by Hamas and other militant groups. Lazzarini described this situation as an "absurd contradiction" in his interview with AP and stated he has not received written proof of UNRWA staff involvement in the October 7th attacks on Israel.

Earlier, in late June, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged donor countries to urgently address UNRWA's funding deficit. He noted that the agency had implemented significant reforms and revised internal policies regarding staff political activity and external oversight following accusations. Guterres called UNRWA a "stabilizing force in an era of instability" and strongly criticized what he termed attempts to undermine its work.