On March 4th, 2024, an informal General Assembly meeting, prompted by the Republic of Tunisia’s concerns, discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza following a letter from UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. Mr. Lazzarini highlighted the agency’s dire state after 75 years of supporting Palestinian refugees, urging action to address its financial crisis and seek a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasized the grim conditions in Gaza, underscored deliberate attempts to undermine UNRWA, and called for solidarity.

Addressing the Assembly, H.E. Dr. Ambassador Beresford-Hill expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis, emphasizing challenges in aid delivery, healthcare, and the Holy Family Hospital in the West Bank. Urgent calls were made for visa issuance, hostage release, and border reopening, with a plea for proactive planning by aid agencies and global cooperation. The Ambassador echoed Pope Francis’s peace appeal, urging concrete actions to bring hope to Gaza’s people.