(L-R) Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General; Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs;
Credit: MAE
On Tuesday 20 May 2025, Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Xavier Bettel, had a bilateral meeting with the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, in Brussels, Belgium.
As reported by Luxembourg's Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs (part of the Foreign Ministry), Minister Bettel emphasised during this meeting the importance of the work carried out by UNRWA, while expressing his concerns over the current situation of the UN agency. "There is currently no realistic alternative to UNRWA, which plays a vital role in supporting millions of people in the region. During my recent visits to the Middle East, I have repeatedly had the opportunity to witness firsthand the decisive impact of its work, particularly in the areas of emergency humanitarian aid, education and health," he said, adding: "It is with dismay that I note that the Israeli government now appears to be pursuing legislation aimed at abolishing UNRWA's activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, a decision that could worsen the already dire humanitarian situation on the ground."
Regarding recent indications from Israeli authorities of a limited resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, Minister Bettel highlighted the need for a "massive, immediate and unhindered" resumption of aid. He also stressed the importance of delivering this aid in strict compliance with the humanitarian principles of "neutrality, impartiality and independence", in order to end the "catastrophic" humanitarian crisis in Gaza and sustainably prevent the risk of famine.
Moreover, Minister Bettel addressed the implementation of the recommendations of the report of the Independent Review Group led by Catherine Colonna, which is deemed essential to ensure full respect for the principle of neutrality by UNRWA staff. In this context, Luxembourg has decided to support the team implementing the recommendations of the Colonna report, notably by seconding a Luxembourg expert to provide expertise and strengthen the agency's capacities.
The Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs added that Luxembourg co-signed a statement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza on Monday 19 May 2025, recalling the importance of the immediate and unhindered resumption of humanitarian aid, in compliance with humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law.
