Middle East,UNRWA cannot be replaced, say UN top officials in response to Knesset ban

UNRWA Cannot Be Replaced, Say UN Top Officials in Response to Knesset Ban

October 29, 2024

Jerusalem, occupied West Bank – United Nations officials have strongly condemned a recent decision by the Israeli Knesset (parliament) to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating in the occupied West Bank.

In a joint statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Commissioner-General of UNRWA Philippe Lazzarini expressed their “deep concern and regret” over the Knesset’s decision. They emphasized that UNRWA is a “vital lifeline” for millions of Palestinian refugees in the region.

“UNRWA provides essential services, including education, healthcare, and food assistance, to 5.7 million Palestine refugees in the occupied Palestinian territory, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria,” the statement read. “These services are not only vital to the well-being of Palestine refugees, but they are also essential to the stability of the region.”

The Knesset’s decision to ban UNRWA came after years of pressure from Israeli officials, who have accused the agency of being biased against Israel. However, UN officials have consistently defended UNRWA’s neutrality and professionalism.

“UNRWA is a neutral and impartial humanitarian organization that operates in accordance with international law,” the statement said. “We reject any allegations of bias and will continue to provide essential services to Palestine refugees in need.”

The UN officials warned that the Knesset’s decision could have serious humanitarian consequences. They called on the Israeli government to reconsider its decision and to allow UNRWA to continue its vital work in the occupied West Bank.

“The ban on UNRWA will not make the Palestinian refugee problem go away,” the statement said. “It will only further compound the suffering of millions of people who have already been displaced from their homes and are living in poverty and uncertainty.”

The international community has also expressed concern over the Knesset’s decision. The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom have all called on Israel to reconsider its ban on UNRWA.

It remains unclear how the Knesset’s decision will be implemented on the ground. UNRWA has approximately 1,000 staff members in the occupied West Bank, and it provides services to over 800,000 Palestine refugees in the area.

The UN officials have pledged to continue working with the international community to find ways to support Palestine refugees despite the ban. They have also called on all parties to respect the human rights of Palestine refugees and to work towards a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.


UNRWA cannot be replaced, say UN top officials in response to Knesset ban

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