UN Security Council urges Israel to respect UNRWA – DW – 10/31/2024

The Security Council of the United Nations (UN) this Wednesday (10/30/2024) pressured Israel to comply with its international obligations and respect the mandate of UNRWA – the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees – to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza. It is important to provide assistance. Following the approval of a law that prohibits it from operating in Israeli territory.

In a rare exercise of unanimity, the Council’s 15 member states “call on the Government of Israel to fulfill its international obligations, to respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA, and to allow and facilitate prompt, safe and complete humanitarian assistance.” Urged to fulfill the responsibility.” Unhindered in all its forms throughout the Gaza Strip.

They warn, “Any attempt to dismantle or curtail operations” and “any interruption or suspension of their work will have serious humanitarian consequences for millions of Palestinian refugees” and “will have implications for the region”.

Despite protests from the United States and warnings from the United Nations Security Council, the Israeli parliament voted overwhelmingly to ban “UNRWA activities in Israeli territory”, including East Jerusalem, an area occupied by Israel. Is.

Israel accuses that unit of infiltrating members HamasWhich is considered a terrorist group by the European Union and is the author of the deadly attacks on October 7, 2023 that sparked the current conflict in Gaza.

The agency employs approximately 18,000 people between the occupied West Bank and Gaza, including 13,000 teachers and 1,500 health workers. For this reason, Council member states called on all parties to “allow UNRWA to fulfill its mandate” in “all areas of operations” while respecting “humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence” and the principles of international law. Urged. “That includes the protection of humanitarian and UN facilities.”

AMA (AFP, Reuters, dpa)