EU urges Israel to reconsider law banning UNRWA activities

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BRUSSELS Oct. 29 () –

The European Union on Tuesday called on Israel to back down after adopting a law that prohibits the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating in the country and in the Palestinian territories.

“We urge the authorities to reconsider the decision and prevent the destruction of UNRWA services that provide vital aid and ensure UNRWA humanitarian access to Palestinian refugees,” said EU Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Nabila Massrali. in a press conference from the community capital.

In this sense, he indicated that the EU remains committed to the UN agency and its mission in the Middle East region, reiterating that “there is no alternative” to the work it does.

“It is a pillar of regional stability and the only one that can provide basic supplies,” said Massrali, emphasizing that “it plays a fundamental role” in advancing the two-state solution.

In a statement prior to the regulations being approved by the Knesset, the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, warned that the law is “in total contradiction with international law and the fundamental humanitarian principle of humanity.” pointing out that “it will only exacerbate an already serious humanitarian crisis.”

He warned that these laws “will have far-reaching consequences” and will “de facto” make UNRWA’s vital operations in Gaza impossible. A total of 92 of the 120 deputies of the unicameral Israeli Parliament have supported the initiative, while ten have voted against.

Opposition parties such as Yesh Atid, the National Unity Party and Yisrael Beiteinu have also voted in favor of the proposal. The reaction of UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini was to point out that the step represents a “dangerous precedent” and that it “only deepens the suffering of the Palestinians.”