FORMER first minister Humza Yousaf has hit out at the UK Foreign Secretary over his comments after Israel’s parliament voted to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from working in Israel and in occupied Palestinian territory.
On Monday evening, Israel’s parliament voted on two Bills that would strip UNRWA of legal immunities and restrict its ability to support Palestinians in the West Bank, occupied East Jerusalem, and Gaza.
The ban could come into force in the next three months, and could see UNRWA evicted from headquarters and offices, as well as end visas for UNRWA staff.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy reacted to the news on social media, writing on Twitter/X: "Today’s Israeli Knesset bills restricting @UNRWA are totally wrong.
"Alongside international partners, the UK has been clear Israel must ensure UNRWA can deliver aid at the speed and scale needed to address the humanitarian emergency in Gaza."
Yousaf shared the post, writing: "And yet, astonishingly, you still sell Israel weapons."
The ban is understood to severely block the organisations ability to provide essential services such as healthcare and education to millions of Palestine refugees.
More than 1.9 million Palestinians are displaced from their homes and Gaza faces widespread shortages of food, water and medicine.
The Irish government also urged the international community to condemn and stand against the move by Israel.
Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin both voiced objections and raised concern about the consequences for maintaining what is an already limited flow of aid to besieged civilians in Gaza.
The Irish government also issued a joint statement with Spain, Norway and Slovenia condemning the vote.
