There is no organization right now capable of replacing or substituting UNRWA´s capacity, ability or expertise, Kaag said after briefing the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the first time on her tenure.

Following closed-door consultations with the UNSC, Kaag stressed that UNRWA´s mechanism to surge vital aid inflow to Gaza still has some “critical” issues to solve.

“It’s not about truck counting. It’s about volume, quality, speed and continuous delivery of humanitarian and commercial goods to reach civilians,” Kaag said.

Other diplomatic sources confirmed that the UNSC meeting was helpful to express deep concern about poor humanitarian situation in Gaza and the pressing need to expand aid flows.

The UNSC welcomed Kaag´s appointment, while urging all parties to facilitate her mandate.

Reports released by Israel last week accused 12 UNRWA workers of collaborating with Palestinian resistance actions on October 7.

The allegations pose a potential risk to UNRWA’s operational capacity after its main partners, including the United States, Canada, Australia and several European nations, announced a pause in its funding.

The lack of funds is really affecting lives because that is the only thing at stake, Kaag warned.

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