Barran Press
On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, members of the United Nations Security Council expressed their opposition to any efforts by Israel to "dismantle or reduce" the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This warning came in response to the Israeli parliament's approval of bills that would ban UNRWA's activities.
In a statement issued following the Israeli parliamentary decision, the Security Council reaffirmed the critical role of UNRWA as the backbone of humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The members cautioned against "any attempt to dissolve or diminish the operations and authority of UNRWA," urging the Israeli government to adhere to its international obligations and calling on all parties to allow the agency to fulfill its mission.
The statement also noted that UNRWA has taken swift action in response to allegations against it, and it encouraged measures to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery to civilians in Gaza in accordance with international law. The Council members expressed their appreciation for the work of UNRWA staff and emphasized the importance of the agency's ability to continue its services uninterrupted.
On Monday, the Israeli Knesset finalized the ban on UNRWA's operations in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israel alleges that some UNRWA employees contributed to the "October 7th attack," claiming that the agency's educational programs promote terrorism and hatred. These allegations have been subsequently disproven.
UNRWA has denied these claims and the United Nations has confirmed the agency's commitment to neutrality, focusing solely on supporting refugees. The need for UNRWA's services has intensified amid the ongoing conflict, described by some as a "genocidal war," which has reportedly resulted in over 144,000 Palestinian casualties since October 7, 2023, with many victims being women and children. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly, leading to widespread destruction and famine.