Guterres condemns Israel’s ban on UNRWA operations
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has expressed deep concern over two recently passed laws in the Israeli Parliament that could hinder the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.
Guterres emphasized the vital role UNRWA plays in providing assistance to Palestinian refugees in the region and stated that there is no alternative to the Agency. He warned that the implementation of these laws could have devastating consequences for Palestinian refugees and called on Israel to uphold its obligations under international law and humanitarian law.
Highlighting that national laws cannot override these international obligations, Guterres stressed that the enforcement of laws targeting UNRWA could also negatively impact the Israel-Palestine issue and regional peace and security. He announced his intention to bring the matter to the attention of the UN General Assembly and pledged to keep the Assembly informed.
The Israeli Parliament recently approved a bill to end UNRWA’s activities in Israel, sparking concerns about the well-being of Palestinian refugees in the region. The Tel Aviv administration has been leading a campaign to discredit and close down the Agency, which provides essential services to Palestinian refugees in various locations, including the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, Lebanon, and Jordan.
The Israeli government’s efforts to target UNRWA coincide with escalating tensions in the region, particularly following attacks on the Gaza Strip. The smear campaign against the Agency, which employs thousands of Palestinians in crucial sectors such as health, education, and social services, has raised international alarm about the protection of vulnerable Palestinian populations.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring developments and advocating for the preservation of UNRWA’s important humanitarian work in the region.
