New Delhi: After Israel passed laws restricting activities of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), key UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees, on its soil, the UN has called on the Jewish state to “act consistently with its obligations under the Charter of the UN & international law.”
The new laws passed by Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, are believed to worsen the quality of life of Palestinian people, already bearing the brunt of Gaza war, triggered by the Hamas’ October 7 2023 attack on southern Israel.
…Devastating Consequences for Palestine Refugees: UN
The new legislation, which will not be implement soon, will restrict the UN body from carrying out its essential work in Gaza which could lead to “devastating consequences for Palestine refugees.”
Taking to X, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday, October 29, said, “If implemented, the laws adopted today by the Knesset of Israel would likely prevent @UNRWA from continuing its essential work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with devastating consequences for Palestine refugees (sic).”
Antonio Guterres said that national legislation cannot alter those obligations under the Charter of the UN. “I call on Israel to act consistently with its obligations under the Charter of the @UN & international law. National legislation cannot alter those obligations(sic),” he added.
The UN Secretary-General gave a strong message to Israel, saying “there is no alternative to UNRWA.” He further said that matter would be brought to the attention of the UN General Assembly.
“I am bringing this matter to the attention of the UN General Assembly, and will keep the Assembly closely informed as the situation develops,” the tweet further read.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Secretary-General UN chief said, “The implementation of these laws would be detrimental for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and for peace and security in the region as a whole. As I said before, UNRWA is indispensable.”
The legislation may strain the ties between the UN and Israel and risks collapsing the already fragile aid distribution process at a time when the Gaza humanitarian crisis is already worsening due to the ongoing conflict. The current scenario has put Israel is under increased pressure to allow in aid supplies.
Israel Bans UNRWA
The ban is set come under force in 90 days and lead to the closure of UNRWA’s premises in the Palestinian territory – the West Bank, including East Jerusalem – and Gaza, effectively crippling the aid agency’s ability to fulfil its mandate as set out by the UN General Assembly in 1949.
Taking to X, the official account of Prime Minister of Israel on Tuesday, October 29, wrote, “UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable. Since avoiding a humanitarian crisis is also essential, sustained humanitarian aid must remain available in Gaza now and in the future(sic).”
“In the 90 days before this legislation takes effect – and after – we stand ready to work with our international partners to ensure Israel continues to facilitate humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza in a way that does not threaten Israel’s security,” the PM wrote in another tweet.
The approved legislation does not formally bar UNRWA from functioning in areas like Gaza and parts of the West Bank controlled by the Palestinian Authority, but would greatly curtail the agency’s ability to respond to emergencies in those regions.
Notably, UNRWA has faced ongoing criticism from Israel, especially following the October 7 attack by Hamas last year.
World Leaders Condemn Israel’s Move
Earlier on Monday, several world leaders urged Israel to halt the legislation. Foreign ministers from Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the UK released a joint statement urging Israel to halt the proposed legislation, expressing deep concern given the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“UNRWA provides essential and life-saving humanitarian aid and basic services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank and throughout the region,” the statement read.
They also underlined a key UN aid agency’s pivotal role in providing life-saving aid and services to Palestinian refugees across the region, warning that its work is vital for education, healthcare, and fuel distribution, particularly in northern Gaza.
UN Chief Fears ‘Devastating Consequences’ For Gaza as Israel Bans Key Aid Agency world-news World News | Latest International News | Global World News | World Breaking Headlines Today
