UNRWA ‘cannot be replaced’, say UN top officials in response to Knesset ban
29 October 2024
United Nations top officials have said that the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) “cannot be replaced”, in response to a Knesset vote to ban the agency from operating in the occupied West Bank.
The vote, which passed by a majority of 94 to 0, with one abstention, came after years of criticism of UNRWA by Israeli officials, who have accused the agency of bias against Israel and of perpetuating the Palestinian refugee problem.
UNRWA provides vital services to Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank, including education, healthcare, and food assistance. The agency has been operating in the region since 1949, when it was established by the UN General Assembly to provide assistance to Palestinian refugees who fled their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
In a statement released after the vote, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that he was “deeply concerned” by the Knesset’s decision. He said that UNRWA “plays a critical role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees” and that its closure would have “a devastating impact on the lives of millions of people.”
The UN Security Council also issued a statement expressing concern about the Knesset vote. The statement said that the Council “recognizes the vital role that UNRWA plays in providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees” and that its closure would “have a negative impact on regional stability.”
The United States, which is the largest donor to UNRWA, has also expressed concern about the Knesset vote. The US State Department said that it “strongly supports UNRWA’s work” and that it “believes that UNRWA should continue to operate in the West Bank.”
The Knesset vote has been widely condemned by human rights groups. Amnesty International said that the vote was “a blatant attack on the rights of Palestinian refugees” and that it “would have a devastating impact on their lives.” Human Rights Watch said that the vote was “a dark day for human rights” and that it “would set a dangerous precedent for other countries to target UN agencies.”
The Palestinian Authority has also condemned the Knesset vote. The PA said that the vote was “a clear violation of international law” and that it “would have a negative impact on the peace process.”
The Knesset vote is the latest in a series of moves by the Israeli government to target UNRWA. In 2018, the Israeli government cut its funding to UNRWA by $30 million. In 2019, the Israeli government banned UNRWA from operating in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli government’s targeting of UNRWA is part of a broader crackdown on Palestinian civil society organizations. In recent years, the Israeli government has designated several Palestinian civil society organizations as “terrorist organizations” and has raided their offices and arrested their staff.
The Israeli government’s crackdown on Palestinian civil society organizations has been condemned by human rights groups. Amnesty International said that the crackdown was “a systematic attack on the right to freedom of association” and that it was “a clear attempt to silence critical voices.” Human Rights Watch said that the crackdown was “a serious threat to human rights in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.”
UNRWA cannot be replaced, say UN top officials in response to Knesset ban
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