UNRWA cannot be replaced, say UN top officials in response to Knesset ban
29 October 2024, 12:00pm
United Nations top officials have said that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) cannot be replaced, in response to a Knesset ban on the agency’s activities in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Knesset, Israel’s parliament, voted on Tuesday to ban UNRWA from operating in the occupied Palestinian territories, accusing the agency of bias against Israel and of perpetuating the Palestinian refugee problem.
In a statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that he was “deeply concerned” by the Knesset’s decision, which he said “undermines the ability of UNRWA to provide essential services to Palestine refugees.”
“UNRWA is a vital lifeline for Palestine refugees, providing them with essential services such as education, healthcare, and food assistance,” Guterres said. “The agency’s work is impartial and essential, and it must be allowed to continue.”
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, also expressed concern about the Knesset’s decision, saying that it “threatens the well-being of Palestine refugees and the stability of the region.”
“UNRWA is a key provider of essential services to Palestine refugees, and its work is essential to maintaining peace and stability in the region,” Grandi said. “The Knesset’s decision to ban UNRWA from operating in the occupied Palestinian territories is a grave mistake, and I urge the Israeli government to reconsider its decision.”
The Knesset’s decision to ban UNRWA from operating in the occupied Palestinian territories has been met with widespread condemnation from the international community. The European Union, the United States, and other countries have all expressed concern about the decision, and have called on Israel to reconsider.
The Palestinian Authority has also condemned the Knesset’s decision, saying that it is a “dangerous escalation” that will only serve to further destabilize the region.
UNRWA cannot be replaced, say UN top officials in response to Knesset ban
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Top Stories a new article on 2024-10-29 12:00 titled “UNRWA cannot be replaced, say UN top officials in response to Knesset ban”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
12