Foreign ministers from seven countries have come together to call on Israel to reconsider a proposed legislation that would prevent the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from operating within Israel. The bill, set for a vote in the Israeli parliament, aims to bar Israeli officials from engaging with UNRWA and would effectively ban the agency from providing crucial services in the region.
The foreign ministers of Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement expressing deep concerns over the potential ramifications of the legislation. They highlighted the vital role UNRWA plays in delivering essential humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and fuel distribution to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and beyond.
The ministers emphasized that without UNRWA's operations, the already dire humanitarian situation in the region, particularly in northern Gaza, would worsen significantly. They urged the Israeli government to uphold its international obligations and ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance for the civilian population.
Israel has accused some UNRWA staff of having ties to Hamas, a claim vehemently denied by the agency. Despite ongoing investigations into these allegations, several governments opted to suspend funding for UNRWA earlier this year.
The joint statement from the foreign ministers underscores the importance of maintaining UNRWA's presence and operations in the region to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinian refugees. The call for Israel to reconsider the legislation reflects international concerns about the potential impact on millions of vulnerable individuals relying on UNRWA's support.
