Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Legislation Against UNRWA Under Consideration by the Israeli Knesset
October 27, 2024
Foreign ministers from several countries issued a joint statement on October 26, expressing “deep concern” over legislation under consideration by the Israeli Knesset that could have severe implications for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The statement, signed by the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Jordan, Norway, Qatar, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, highlights the “vital role” UNRWA plays in providing essential services such as education, health care, and food assistance to Palestinian refugees. They emphasized that any attempt to dismantle or weaken the agency would undermine regional stability and humanitarian efforts.
The proposed legislation, which has not yet been formally introduced, aims to transfer UNRWA’s responsibilities to the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority. Critics argue that such a move would deprive Palestinian refugees of crucial assistance and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The foreign ministers expressed their “strong opposition” to the legislation and called on the Israeli government to reconsider its plans. They stressed the importance of upholding international law and protecting the rights of Palestinian refugees.
“We believe that any effort to dismantle or weaken UNRWA would be counterproductive and would only serve to increase instability in the region,” the statement reads. “We urge the Israeli government to work with the international community to find a just and lasting solution to the issue of Palestinian refugees.”
The foreign ministers also expressed their support for UNRWA and its “unwavering commitment” to providing essential services to Palestinian refugees. They pledged to continue to support the agency financially and politically.
The proposed legislation has sparked strong reactions from both supporters and opponents. Proponents argue that it is necessary to streamline aid delivery and reduce duplication of services. Opponents warn that it could lead to the de facto cancellation of the UNRWA mandate and the erosion of Palestinian refugee rights.
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation and urging the Israeli government to reconsider its plans. The United Nations Security Council is expected to hold a closed-door meeting on November 1 to discuss the issue.
The outcome of the legislative process in Israel remains uncertain. However, the joint statement from foreign ministers underscores the widespread international concern over the potential consequences of any attempt to undermine UNRWA.
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