UNRWA chief dismisses Israeli allegations of weapons distribution as "baseless disinformation"
Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency(UNRWA), has issued a sharp rebuttal against recent Israeli allegations claiming the agency has been involved in the distribution of weapons within the Gaza Strip.
Lazzarini characterised the accusations as part of a “sustained campaign of disinformation” intended to delegitimize the UN's primary humanitarian organ at a time when Gaza faces unprecedented levels of hunger and displacement.
Lazzarini said: "Disinformation against UNRWA has been weaponised throughout the war in Gaza as part of a sustained campaign to defame and destroy the main UN agency helping Palestine Refugees.
"The latest allegation through Israeli military video footage showing empty flour bags with UNRWA's logo, alongside munitions, fails once again to provide any verifiable proof.
"In the Gaza Strip, international aid operations have been ongoing for years. Once food is distributed to those in need, bags are reused for all kinds of purposes, given that people have nothing else.
“In 2024 alone, UNRWA distributed about 3 million sturdy 25 kg bags of flour. Empty bags are all over Gaza.”
A denial of “weaponised” aid
The latest firestorm erupted following claims by Israeli officials that UNRWA logistics networks were being co-opted to move munitions alongside food and medical supplies.Lazzarini categorically denied these reports, emphasising that the agency maintains strict neutrality and rigorous oversight.
The Commissioner-General noted that despite repeated requests for evidence to substantiate such serious allegations, the Israeli authorities have yet to provide any verifiable data or intelligence to the United Nations.
The context of the accusations
The friction comes amid a broader geopolitical push to dissolve UNRWA. Following the passage of Israeli legislation in late 2024 to ban the agency's operations, UNRWA has faced:
- Frozen Funding: Continued budgetary shortfalls as several donor nations remain hesitant despite internal UN investigations clearing the agency of systemic “terror infiltration”.
- Operational Obstacles: Heightened restrictions on the movement of international staff and the demolition of several UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem and Northern Gaza.
- Legal Scrutiny: An October 2025 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) reaffirmed that Israel is legally obligated to facilitate, not hinder, UNRWA's operations under international law.
Current humanitarian impact
The agency reports that as early 2026, the humanitarian situation remains dire. UNRWA officials pointed out that while a fragile ceasefire has been in place for several months, the volume of aid entering the strip is still less than 30% of what is required to meet basic survival needs.