Borrell conveys to the head of UNRWA his refusal to label the organization as a “terrorist group”

May 30. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, conveyed this Wednesday to the commissioner general of the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, his refusal to label the organization as ” terrorist group” after the Israeli Parliament gave its preliminary support to a proposed law to classify it as such.

“We reject any attempt to label UNRWA as a terrorist organization. It remains an indispensable source of life for the Palestinians,” the head of European diplomacy published on his X social network account.

During his meeting, he reiterated his support for the “work and team” of the organization, and announced that the next European Union financing package “is on the way.”

“(Lazzarini) had no more words to describe the situation in Gaza. Day after day, death continues to parade. People not only lose their lives: hope and the social fabric are destroyed. We must put an end to a tragedy that offends our conscience and humanity,” he added.

For his part, the commissioner general thanked Borrell for his “compassion and support” after telling him how “the social fabric has been destroyed” and how there is a “risk of sowing hatred in future generations” of Palestinians.

Israel has increased its criticism of UNRWA in recent months and has even called for the end of its mandate and the replacement of its work by other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations, something that the United Nations has described as unviable due to the agency’s relevance in delivering assistance to the population in Palestine and Palestinian refugees in the region.

UNRWA was created following the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 through resolution 302 of the UN General Assembly and began operations in May 1950. In the absence of an agreement on the Palestinian refugee issue since then, His mandate has been renewed until June 2026.

The agency serves Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and refugees in the region. At the time it began operations, it responded to the needs of around 750,000 people, although today it serves around 5.9 million Palestinians, according to its website.

UNRWA services cover the sectors of education, health, social services, emergency assistance, microfinance and infrastructure in refugee camps, which is why the UN considers its work to be essential directly and through the provision of infrastructure. and networks to facilitate the work of other agencies and NGOs.