UK Urges Israel Not to Endanger UNRWA’s Ability to Operate
2025-01-20 16:54
UN Security Council
The United Kingdom has urged Israel not to endanger the ability of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to operate.
In a statement to the UN Security Council, the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador James Roscoe, said that UNRWA provides essential services to Palestinian refugees, including education, healthcare, and food assistance.
“We urge Israel to respect UNRWA’s mandate and to ensure that it can continue to operate effectively,” Roscoe said.
The UK’s statement comes after Israel announced plans to reduce its funding to UNRWA by 50%. The decision has been met with widespread condemnation from the international community.
UNRWA is a vital organization that provides essential services to Palestinian refugees,” Roscoe said. “We urge Israel to reconsider its decision and to work with the international community to find a sustainable solution to the funding crisis.”
The UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution on UNRWA later this month. The resolution is expected to call on Israel to respect UNRWA’s mandate and to ensure that it can continue to operate effectively.
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 Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
In recent years, UNRWA has faced a funding crisis. The agency’s budget has been cut by over 30% since 2018. The United States, which was once UNRWA’s largest donor, cut its funding to the agency in 2018.
The funding crisis has had a significant impact on UNRWA’s ability to provide services to Palestinian refugees. The agency has been forced to reduce its staff and close some of its programs.
The UK is one of the largest donors to UNRWA. The UK government has pledged to provide £50 million to the agency in 2023.
Reaction
The UK’s statement has been welcomed by UNRWA and the international community.
“We are grateful to the UK for its continued support of UNRWA,” said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. “The UK’s statement is a clear signal that the international community is committed to supporting UNRWA and the Palestinian refugees we serve.”
The Palestinian Authority has also welcomed the UK’s statement.
“We appreciate the UK’s support of UNRWA,” said Palestinian Authority spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh. “UNRWA is a lifeline for Palestinian refugees, and we urge Israel to respect the agency’s mandate and to ensure that it can continue to operate effectively.”
We urge Israel not to endanger UNRWA’s ability to operate: UK statement at the UN Security Council
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