I am relieved about the release of hostages, including that of Ms. Damari & I hope all others will also soon return safely to their families.
Claims that hostages have been held in UNRWA premises are deeply disturbing & shocking. We take any such allegations extremely seriously.
We have repeatedly called for independent investigations into any credible claims of misuse & disregard of UN premises by Palestinian armed militants, including Hamas.
UNRWA was forced to vacate all its installations in the north of Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, on 13 October 2023 & has, since then, had no control over them.
The same happened whenever a military evacuation order was given during the last 15 months in other locations of the Gaza Strip.
UNRWA has not been involved in any negotiation related to hostage release as it is not within its mandate.
I repeat our call for the immediate release & safe return of all hostages.
10:55 PM · Jan 31, 2025
UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.
UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.
UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.
