The UN Secretary-General strongly condemned and categorically rejected the Israeli Knesset's approval of legal amendments aimed at halting the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the occupied Palestinian territory. This firm UN stance comes at a time of unprecedented tension in relations between the international organization and Israel, amid fears of a collapse of the humanitarian system in the Gaza Strip.
Violation of international conventions
In detailing the UN position, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, confirmed in an official press statement that these legislative amendments are not merely an administrative procedure, but rather a systematic attempt to obstruct UNRWA's ability to implement its mandate as entrusted to it by the UN General Assembly. Dujarric emphasized that UNRWA is not simply a relief agency, but an integral part of the UN system. Therefore, the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations remains fully applicable to the Agency, its facilities, assets, and personnel, making the Israeli measure a violation of international law.
Historical context and pivotal role of UNRWA
UNRWA was established by UN General Assembly Resolution 302 of 1949 to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees pending a just solution to their plight. For over seven decades, the Agency has been a lifeline for millions of refugees in its five fields of operation: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. It provides essential services, including education, healthcare, relief, and social services, and stands as a living international witness to the Palestinian refugee issue.
Potential catastrophic consequences
This Israeli move carries serious repercussions that extend beyond the political dimension to a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe, especially given the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian response in the Strip, with hundreds of thousands of displaced people entirely dependent on its food and medical assistance and its shelters. International observers warn that paralyzing the agency's operations will lead to the complete collapse of what remains of the social and health safety net in Gaza, and the impact could extend to destabilizing refugee camps in the West Bank and neighboring countries.
The Secretary-General concluded his statement by reaffirming his absolute support for UNRWA, stressing that it plays an "indispensable" role and that there is no alternative that has the logistical capacity and international legitimacy to carry out its tasks in serving the Palestinian people in Gaza and other parts of the region, calling on the international community to exert pressure to ensure the continuation of the agency's work.
