According to the Security Council, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East “remains the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza” and no organization can take its place. It also cautioned that any suspension or interruption of its operations would have serious humanitarian repercussions for Palestinian refugees as well as regional repercussions. The Israeli parliament enacted two laws that forbid UNRWA from conducting its operations in the nation and from interacting with Israeli authorities in any way.
The Security Council members emphasized in a press release on Wednesday the critical role that UNRWA plays in providing Palestinian refugees with life-saving humanitarian aid through vital programs in health, education, relief, and social services, as well as emergency aid in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the occupied Palestinian territory. According to the Xinhua news agency, they emphasized that UNRWA “remains the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza” and confirmed that no organization can take its place or replace its ability and mandate to provide life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.
The members of the council voiced their serious concerns about the laws passed by the Israeli parliament and urged the Israeli government to uphold its commitments under international law, respect UNRWA’s privileges and immunities.
