The United Nations (UN) Security Council has “strongly warned against any attempts to dismantle or diminish” the work and mandate of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) after Israel passed a law banning its operations.
In a statement adopted by consensus, the 15-member body expressed deep concern over the law passed by the Israeli parliament on Monday.
The Council “called on the Israeli government to adhere to its international obligations, respect the privileges and immunity of UNRWA, and fulfill its responsibility to enable and facilitate the full, swift, safe, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid in all forms throughout Gaza and across the entire Gaza Strip.”
Earlier, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) described the Israeli Knesset’s decision to ban UNRWA’s operations as an “unprecedented attack on the UN agency” that, “if implemented, would only worsen the humanitarian catastrophe.”
In its statement, the IRC strongly urged that the law not be enforced:
“UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing aid to civilians in desperate need in Gaza. Humanitarian actors rely on coordination with UNRWA to deliver assistance and alleviate suffering. UNRWA cannot be replaced by non-governmental organizations such as the IRC.”
