Swiss celebration with UNRWA chief: controversy over Middle East policy

The Middle East conflict is far away on this summer evening in the port of Lausanne-Ouchy. The biggest worry for the organizers of the August 1 celebration is a storm cloud over the Jura heights near Nyon. Alphorn players play in front of the stage. A food truck sells a hot dog called “General Guisan.” It would be a federal celebration like many if the city had not invited Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). An organization that has repeatedly come under heavy criticism, particularly because of its staff’s links to the terrorist group Hamas.

In Lausanne, however, the host was applauded like a rock star when a moderator announced him. Some Palestinian flags can be seen in the audience. Syndic Grégoire Junod (SP) praises Lazzarini as one of the few Swiss who head the UN organization. He invited the head of UNRWA on behalf of the town. In his speech, Junod recalled the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions and the Swiss humanitarian tradition – a tradition that Lazzarini shows in an excellent way for the left-wing city government.

Disappointment with Switzerland

It is a special sight for Lazzarini. He completed part of his studies and military service in Lausanne. But he is disappointed at home, as he made clear in an interview with the NZZ shortly before his speech. The decision of the Federal Council and the Parliament to give UNRWA only half of the previous money hit him personally. He says his country is the only one besides the US to reduce its contribution. Lazzarini had hoped that Switzerland would expand what they contribute, like other countries, because of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Instead, the National Council’s Foreign Policy Commission is looking for an alternative to UNRWA. He wants the Federal Council to work within the international community for a solution that will come later. Lazzarini doesn’t think much of it. Other UN agencies do not have the capacity to take on the work of UNRWA, he says. The only other option is for Switzerland to work for a political solution to the conflict. This would make the aid group useless.

Lazzarini had been aggressive lately. But he doesn’t use his appearance on the national holiday to settle scores. Instead, he begins his speech with sympathy. International humanitarian law is being violated today, whether in Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar or Gaza, he says. There would be a question of humanity and universal values ​​in a world that is becoming increasingly intolerant. “This intolerance blinds us and prevents us from seeing the suffering of others. “

But as soon as Lazzarini started his speech, he was interrupted. Boos can be heard from part of the audience. “Terror!” shouted one bystander, “There’s blood on your hands!” shouted another. Some have traveled from other cities to protest against the participation of the UNRWA chief in the August 1 celebration. They hold up posters that identify kidnapped Israelis or accuse the Lazzarini group of supporting Hamas and anti-Semitism. Other participants try to drown out the boos with applause. They brought with them posters accusing Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. For a moment, the Middle East conflict has reached the port of Ouchy.

Criticizing Israel’s conduct of the war

The moderator reminds us that freedom of expression is a fundamental value in Switzerland. After a short break, Lazzarini continues his speech. The terrible attacks on October 7 left their mark on Israel and its people for a long time, he says. “The trauma runs deep. ” But this tragedy cannot excuse the Palestinian people. They cannot justify war without laws and superstitions – when it comes to civilian deaths, child suffering and the scale of destruction. “Gaza has become hell on earth.”

Lazzarini concluded his speech with a call for a stronger role for Bern diplomacy. A self-confident, proactive Switzerland that is proud of its traditions can contribute to solving the most complex crises. “We will help the people of Israel and Palestine to find a path to lasting peace.” Celebrities in the area, where chairs have been donated, will be standing. Lazzarini receives a lot of praise, but boos are also heard.

After the speech, a singer will sing the Swiss national anthem. The mood calms down. Instead of the UNRWA and Palestinian flags, Swiss flags can be seen. The cloud passed over the festival grounds without causing a thunderstorm. Lazzarini leaves port Ouchy with some plainclothes policemen and leaves in an SUV. “Déjeuner en paix” by Stephan Eicher can be heard from the loudspeakers.