UN Security Council warns against dismantling UNRWA after controversial Israeli ban
As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to mount, the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday “strongly warned against any attempts to dismantle or diminish” the operations and mandate of the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) after the Israel lawmakers passed a law banning its operations.
In a statement adopted by consensus, the 15-member body expressed grave worries over the legislation adopted by the Israeli parliament on Monday.
The council “urged the Israeli Government to abide by its international obligations, respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and live up to its responsibility to allow and facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance in all its forms into and throughout the entire Gaza Strip.”
Recall that Israeli politicians passed a controversial law to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating within the country.
The move is largely driven by allegations that some UNRWA staff members in Gaza have ties to Hamas, a group considered a terrorist organization by Israel.
The proposed ban has sparked concerns about the potential consequences for Palestinian refugees, who rely heavily on UNRWA’s support. With key donors like the US, Germany, and the EU already freezing around $450 million in funding, the UN agency is facing a major crisis that could collapse its operations.
The ban on UNRWA has significant implications for the region, particularly in Gaza, where the agency plays a vital role in supporting vulnerable populations.
