UN Security Council calls on UNRWA to continue operations

United Nations (EFE).- The United Nations Security Council this Wednesday called on Israel to allow the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to continue its work in Israel and the occupied territories, as the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) To veto it, two laws will be passed. Activities in the area.

The council, in a statement signed by all its members, including Israel’s loyal ally the United States, urged the Israeli government to comply with its international obligations, respect the rights and immunities of UNRWA, and provide “prompt, safe and secure” humanitarian assistance. Did. Uninterrupted assistance to the entire Gaza Strip.

UNRWA wants to play its role

Thus, they demanded that parties to the conflict fulfill their mandate to UNRWA “in all areas of operations, with full respect for the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence” as well as respecting the right humanitarian Allow. international.

The Knesset on Monday night overwhelmingly approved two laws that seek to close UNRWA offices in East Jerusalem, a city Israel captured in 1967, and limit its operations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Security Council members stressed that UNRWA “remains the backbone of the entire humanitarian response in Gaza” and stressed that no other organization can replace its ability to serve Palestinians.

Thus, he highlighted the Agency’s role in providing humanitarian assistance through essential education, health, relief, social services and emergency assistance programs in the occupied Palestinian territory and in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Suspension will have serious consequences

And they agreed with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that the agency’s suspension would have “dire humanitarian consequences for millions of Palestinian refugees.”

The council in its statement also referenced nine UNRWA members who were accused of involvement in Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023.

In this sense, he asked Guterres to take appropriate measures to “address any credible allegations and ensure accountability for any violations of the Agency’s policies related to the principle of neutrality.”