We have been working in the Palestinian camps in Lebanon for more than 25 years and know very well the possible consequences on the lives of these people of the choice of some governments, including Italy, to suspend funding to the UN agency UNRWA.

"Cutting funding to UNRWA means not only cutting back on the services that are offered in the Shatila camp or in Lebanon, but in the entire Palestinian diaspora that we can also find in Syria and Jordan," said David Ruggini, Head of Mission in Lebanon of Un Ponte Per.

In 2022, UNRWA provided assistance to some 5.9 million Palestinian people, guaranteeing education, health services and food. The desired suspension of funds represents a frightening slice - some 57 per cent - of the budget that allows these livelihood services to be provided.

A cut that threatens to deprive Palestinian children of the chance to go to school or have access to water or essential medical care. In other words, it means letting these people most likely lose the minimum of dignity and access to rights that keeps their lives going.

"If these policies towards UNRWA continue, the Palestinian children will not have schools, hospitals or medical services to turn to," said Mr. Kassem, founder of Beit Atfal Assumoud, a Palestinian organisation with which we run our Family Happiness Distance Support programme in Lebanon.

What we are witnessing seems to be yet another act of collective punishment against one of the most harassed populations of the last century. The consequences of these choices will affect the lives of millions of people who, in many cases, have never even set foot in Gaza or Palestine.

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