UNRWA Chief: Agency Enduring ‘Darkest Moment’, as Israeli Laws Threaten Operations
November 13, 2024
Jerusalem – The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has warned that the agency is facing its “darkest moment” ever, as new Israeli laws threaten to curtail its operations and further erode the rights of Palestinian refugees.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said that two recent laws passed by the Israeli Knesset pose a serious threat to the agency’s ability to provide essential services to Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The first law, passed in July 2024, allows the Israeli government to revoke the residency permits of Palestinians who are deemed to be a “security risk.” UNRWA staff who are accused of supporting “terrorist organizations” could be subject to deportation under this law.
The second law, passed in October 2024, requires all NGOs operating in the occupied territories to disclose the source of their funding from foreign governments. UNRWA receives the vast majority of its funding from the United Nations and donor countries, and Lazzarini said that the new law could have a “chilling effect” on its operations.
“These laws are designed to intimidate and silence UNRWA and other organizations that provide vital support to Palestinian refugees,” Lazzarini said. “They are part of a broader Israeli strategy to undermine the rights of Palestinian refugees and to erase the refugee issue from the international agenda.”
Lazzarini called on the international community to condemn the new Israeli laws and to take action to protect the rights of Palestinian refugees. He also urged Israel to reconsider its approach to UNRWA and to engage in a constructive dialogue with the agency.
“UNRWA is a vital lifeline for Palestinian refugees,” Lazzarini said. “The agency provides essential services such as education, health care, and food assistance to millions of refugees who have been displaced from their homes for decades. Israel’s actions are putting these services at risk and are causing unnecessary suffering for Palestinian refugees.”
The Israeli government has not yet responded to UNRWA’s concerns. However, Israeli officials have previously accused UNRWA of bias against Israel and of supporting anti-Israeli groups.
The new Israeli laws have been condemned by human rights groups and international organizations. The European Union has warned that the laws could “undermine the stability of the region.” The United States has also expressed concern about the laws and has urged Israel to reconsider its approach to UNRWA.
The United Nations Security Council is expected to discuss the new Israeli laws in the coming weeks. UNRWA is urging the Council to take action to protect the agency and the rights of Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA chief: Agency enduring ‘darkest moment’, as Israeli laws threaten operations
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