UK Urges Israel Not to Endanger UNRWA’s Ability to Operate
The United Kingdom has urged Israel not to take any action that could endanger the ability of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to operate.
In a statement at the UN Security Council on Friday 20 January, the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Jonathan Allen, said:
“We are deeply concerned by Israel’s decision to withhold funding from UNRWA and by the consequences this could have for the agency’s ability to provide essential services to Palestinian refugees.
“UNRWA provides vital support to Palestinian refugees, including healthcare, education and food assistance. These services are essential for the well-being of the refugees and for the stability of the region.
“We urge Israel to reconsider its decision and to work with UNRWA to find a solution that allows the agency to continue its operations.
“The UK remains committed to supporting UNRWA and to working with our partners to find a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
Background
UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide assistance to Palestinian refugees who were displaced from their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. The agency currently provides services to over 5 million Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Israel has been withholding funding from UNRWA since January 2018. The Israeli government has accused UNRWA of perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and of being biased against Israel.
UNRWA has denied these allegations and has said that it is committed to providing impartial and neutral assistance to Palestinian refugees.
The UK is one of the largest donors to UNRWA. In 2017, the UK provided £45 million to the agency.
We urge Israel not to endanger UNRWA’s ability to operate: UK statement at the UN Security Council
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