UNRWA cannot be replaced, say UN top officials in response to Knesset ban
Published: 2024-10-29 12:00
Source: UN News
Jerusalem – United Nations senior officials on Friday condemned a decision by Israel’s parliament to ban the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees. The Knesset vote must be reversed, they said.
“UNRWA (UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) plays an irreplaceable role in providing essential services to millions of Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip,” said UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland.
He added that every day, UNRWA provides basic education to over half a million children, and healthcare and social services, including food and cash assistance, to millions of vulnerable Palestine refugees.
The Knesset move follows a decision this week by Israel’s Security Cabinet to designate seven Palestinian NGOs as terrorist organizations and seize their assets.
“These developments are deeply concerning, undermine the prospects for a just and comprehensive peace, and must be reversed,” said Mr. Wennesland.
UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. It is the only UN agency dedicated to assisting a specific group of refugees.
“UNRWA cannot be replaced,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement. “Any attempt to dismantle or delegitimize UNRWA would have devastating consequences for the region and beyond.”
The Secretary-General called on all parties to uphold international law and respect the rights of Palestine refugees.
The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet on the situation on Monday.
Background
The Knesset vote to ban UNRWA came after a years-long campaign by Israeli authorities to discredit the agency. Israel has accused UNRWA of supporting terrorism and of perpetuating the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
UNRWA has denied these allegations, and has said that it is committed to neutrality and impartiality.
The Israeli government has not said how it plans to replace UNRWA’s services if the agency is banned.
The ban on UNRWA has been condemned by the international community, including the United States, the European Union, and the Arab League.
Reactions
The Knesset vote to ban UNRWA has been met with widespread condemnation from the international community.
- The United States called the ban “deeply concerning” and said it would “continue to support UNRWA’s critical work.”
- The European Union said the ban “threatens the stability of the region” and called on Israel to “reconsider its decision.”
- The Arab League called the ban “a dangerous precedent” and said it would “have serious consequences for the region.”
Analysis
The Knesset vote to ban UNRWA is a major escalation in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. It is the latest in a series of steps by the Israeli government to restrict the rights of Palestinians and to undermine the prospects for a just and comprehensive peace.
The ban on UNRWA is likely to have a devastating impact on the lives of millions of Palestine refugees. It could also lead to increased instability in the region.
The international community must do everything it can to reverse the Knesset vote and to ensure that UNRWA is able to continue its vital work.
UNRWA cannot be replaced, say UN top officials in response to Knesset ban
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