They warned that if UNRWA is prohibited from operating in the West Bank and Gaza, the humanitarian situation could worsen drastically, particularly in northern Gaza, where UNRWA provides critical services like education, healthcare, and fuel distribution. The ministers urged Israel to allow UN agencies to continue their work, as UNRWA is essential for Palestinian refugees in Palestine and neighboring regions.
The proposed law, currently under debate in the Israeli Knesset, would prevent UNRWA’s operations within Israel and Israeli-controlled areas, restricting Israeli officials from interacting with or assisting UNRWA staff.
Israel has historically opposed UNRWA, citing recent allegations from January that some of its workers were involved in the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attacks. However, an April UN investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing by UNRWA staff, noting that Israel did not provide further information on the alleged incidents.
The ministers commended UNRWA's steps to address concerns about possible staff support for armed groups and encouraged the agency to continue its commitment to neutrality and internal reform efforts.
Separately, an Israeli MP backing the legislation accused the United States of lobbying opposition leaders to block it, reportedly involving U.S. Ambassador Jacob Lew. British Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer also warned that such a law would harm Israel’s image as a democratic state, especially given UNRWA's vital role in delivering aid to Gaza.
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