Potentially ‘Deadly’ Consequences Could Arise from Israel’s UNRWA Ban: UNICEF
October 31, 2024
Geneva — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a grave warning about the potential “deadly” consequences of Israel’s recent ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
On October 25, 2024, the Israeli government declared UNRWA a “terrorist organization” and ordered its closure, accusing the agency of being a front for Hamas. UNRWA strongly denies the allegations.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell expressed deep concern over the ban, stating that it “directly threatens the well-being of hundreds of thousands of children.”
Essential Services at Risk
UNRWA provides essential services to over 5.7 million Palestine refugees living in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. These services include education, healthcare, food assistance, and water and sanitation.
“The ban on UNRWA could have devastating implications for children’s health, education, and nutrition,” Russell said. “Without access to these services, children’s lives are at risk.”
Education
UNRWA operates over 700 schools in the oPt and neighboring countries, providing access to education for over 500,000 children. The closure of these schools would disrupt their education and potentially lead to increased dropout rates.
Healthcare
UNRWA provides healthcare services to over 2.5 million refugees through its network of clinics. These services include primary care, maternal and child health services, and emergency care. The ban on UNRWA could result in reduced access to healthcare and a surge in preventable diseases.
Food Assistance
UNRWA provides regular food assistance to over 1 million refugees living in the oPt and Lebanon. The closure of UNRWA could lead to increased food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable communities.
Water and Sanitation
UNRWA provides water and sanitation services to over 1 million refugees in the oPt and Lebanon. The ban on UNRWA could lead to reduced access to clean water and sanitation, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
Call for Urgent Action
UNICEF urged the international community to take urgent action to prevent the closure of UNRWA and ensure the continued provision of essential services to Palestine refugees.
“The well-being of hundreds of thousands of children is at stake,” Russell said. “We call on all parties to work together to find a solution that will allow UNRWA to continue its vital work.”
Consequences for Palestine Refugees
The ban on UNRWA is expected to have far-reaching consequences for Palestine refugees.
Increased Vulnerability
Without access to UNRWA’s services, Palestine refugees will become increasingly vulnerable to poverty, disease, and malnutrition. They may also face increased discrimination and persecution.
Prolonged Displacement
The closure of UNRWA could further prolong the displacement of Palestine refugees, who have been living in temporary camps for over 70 years. Without UNRWA’s assistance, refugees may find it even more difficult to return to their homes or find permanent housing solutions.
Renewed Conflict
The ban on UNRWA could also create a sense of despair and hopelessness among Palestine refugees, potentially increasing the risk of renewed conflict in the region.
Conclusion
The ban on UNRWA by Israel has serious implications for the health, education, and well-being of hundreds of thousands of Palestine refugees. The international community must act urgently to prevent the closure of UNRWA and ensure that Palestine refugees continue to receive the essential services they need.
Potentially ‘deadly’ consequences could arise from Israel’s UNRWA ban: UNICEF
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