UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has reaffirmed the agency's commitment to continuing its operations in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, despite the Israeli embargo set to begin on January 30. Lazzarini highlighted that the closure of UNRWA would severely reduce the international humanitarian response in Gaza, where the agency is the primary provider of essential services. He emphasized that UNRWA is the only organization capable of offering basic healthcare and education in Gaza, especially crucial once the ceasefire is in effect.

Israel has accused Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza of misusing UNRWA facilities and aid, though no evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims. Palestinian resistance factions have strongly denied these allegations.

Currently, almost two million Palestinians in Gaza rely entirely on UNRWA for primary healthcare, with 650,000 children depending on the agency for their education.