Members of the UN Security Council have voiced their 'grave concern' regarding the recent legislation passed by the Israeli parliament that prohibits the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in Israel. The Security Council members emphasized the vital role that UNRWA plays as the 'backbone' of humanitarian efforts in Gaza, providing essential services such as education, health, relief, social programs, and emergency assistance.
The Israeli ban is expected to have a significant impact on UNRWA's operations in territories under Israeli occupation, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Despite opposition from Arab members of the Israeli parliament and strong international pressure from Western nations, the ban was implemented.
Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, defended the decision by accusing UNRWA of failing in its mission and alleging that the agency has been complicit in enabling Hamas to carry out violent activities. UNRWA has consistently refuted these allegations.
The Security Council members highlighted the critical role that UNRWA has played in providing essential services to Palestinians in need and expressed their concerns about the potential humanitarian consequences of the ban. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as the implications of the ban unfold.
