EU warns Israel against blocking UN aid operations in Gaza

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell cautioned that Israel’s recent legislation to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in Gaza could lead to violations of international humanitarian law.

In a statement on Thursday, Borrell emphasized the risks associated with obstructing UNRWA, which provides essential aid to millions of Palestinian refugees, and echoed UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini’s concerns over the “catastrophic consequences” if the agency collapses in Gaza.

The Israeli parliament passed the legislation on October 28, citing alleged involvement by UNRWA employees in a Hamas attack last year. UNRWA denied these accusations, affirming its neutral mission to support refugees and highlighting that no other organization could effectively replace its services.

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Borrell stressed that “Protecting UNRWA is a collective duty.”

He also posted on X, saying: “I share @UNLazzarini’s concerns about the catastrophic consequences of a collapse of @UNRWA for the region. Blocking UNRWA’s vital support risks violating IHL, as recent Israeli legislation threatens access to essential aid for millions. Protecting UNRWA is a collective duty.”

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, with Palestinian health authorities reporting over 43,700 casualties and more than 103,000 injuries, predominantly among women and children.