A welcome rare momentum to reach a permanent ceasefire in Gaza

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, visits the UNRWA Japanese Health Centre in Khan Younis during his visit of the Gaza Strip on 15 January 2024 © UNRWA Photo

04 October 2025 - From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter) 

A welcome and rare momentum to reach a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and pave the way for a long-term solution to end the decades-long conflict.

A rare window of hope to allow the UN, including UNRWA, to address the famine and suffering of over 2 million people with unspeakable needs.

The education of children is a priority: UNRWA has the expertise and the workforce to support the gradual return of over 660,000 girls and boys—living in the rubble—to formal education.

Meanwhile, the Agency will continue to provide basic services, including primary healthcare, waste management, and mental health support to the people of Gaza: traumatised and bereaved.

I call for lifting the siege and the ban of the entry of UNRWA international personnel and humanitarian supplies so we can support our Palestinian colleagues at such a critical moment.

I continue to call for accountability and justice to hold those responsible of atrocities committed on and since 7 October 2023 responsible and accountable.

In the immediate term, we need:

-> The release of all hostages from Gaza and the Palestinian detainees.

-> Lift the siege, the ban on UNRWA, and all restrictions on regular and at-scale humanitarian assistance.

-> Stop all bombardment everywhere in the Gaza Strip and reach a permanent ceasefire.