The story of physiotherapist Abdul Rahman

Three months into the war in Gaza, as violence raged around him, Abdul Rahman left his family in search of food. The father of two children - whose youngest was just a few months old - never returned. Without a chance to say goodbye, Abdul Rahman was killed. Poignantly, the former UNRWA student was laid to rest at the UNRWA Abu Helo School in Al-Bureij camp.

In yet another strike on a UN installation in the Gaza Strip, this time on the UNRWA Nuseirat Boys' Preparatory School, a bombardment by Israeli forces early on 6 June killed at least 35 people  and injured dozens more.

The UNRWA school-turned-shelter at Nuseirat refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip, housed some 6,000 internally displaced people. Many hailed from Al-Bureij and Al-Maghazi refugee camps, which they were forced to flee because of the war.

On 7 March, Issam was killed in his family home in the al-Hakar neighbourhood of Deir al-Balah, Gaza.  Tragically, Issam’s son also died, while his wife and four other children were severely injured. Issam’s father, brother and sister also lived with him – and his father, sister, and his brother's entire family were likewise killed.

Mr. President,

Excellencies,  

I would like to thank the President of the General Assembly for convening this conference.

I am also grateful to the Secretary-General for his presence and strong support to UNRWA at an exceptionally challenging time.

When we met for the pledging conference last June, no one could have foreseen the tragedy that would engulf Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

Palestinians and Israelis have experienced terrible losses and immense suffering.

Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,

Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

As President of the General Assembly, I have consistently emphasized that the work and impact of the United Nations extends far beyond the physical confines of our headquarters in New York.

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

Thank you.

An impressive show of solidarity and support of 118 member states including all members of the UN Security Council. 

It comes at a critical time as @UNRWA  undergoes unprecedented attacks and systematic attempts to dismantle it. 

Visiting the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis yesterday, I witnessed some of the most horrific scenes I have seen in my nine months in Gaza. This overstretched health facility admitted well over 100 of yesterday’s severe injuries. With not enough beds, hygiene equipment, sheeting, or scrubs, many patients were treated on the ground without disinfectants. Ventilation systems were switched off due to a lack of electricity and fuel, and the air was filled with the smell of blood.