An IMGW News Report
The European Commission has called on Israel to reverse its recent legislation that bans the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating within Israeli territory, citing concerns over its potential to escalate the already critical humanitarian situation across the region. The decision, backed by the Israeli Knesset, would severely restrict UNRWA’s ability to support over 5.7 million registered Palestinian refugees spread across Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
“There is no alternative to UNRWA,” a European Commission spokesperson asserted, emphasising that the ban “contradicts international law and the humanitarian principle of humanity.”
Since its establishment in 1949, UNRWA has provided essential services, including education, healthcare, and emergency relief, in an increasingly volatile environment. The agency operates 700 schools, serving more than half a million Palestinian children, and offers health services to over 3 million people each year. “There is no alternative to UNRWA,” a European Commission spokesperson asserted, emphasising that the ban “contradicts international law and the humanitarian principle of humanity.” If implemented, the legislation is expected to complicate ongoing relief efforts, particularly in Gaza, where nearly 60% of the population depends on international aid amid recent escalations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government defended the legislation, alleging that UNRWA has inadvertently supported Hamas by employing individuals with alleged militant affiliations. Following a thorough investigation prompted by these claims, UNRWA dismissed 21 staff members in 2024 who were found to have possible connections with Hamas, though the agency has continuously defended its neutrality and urged Israel to provide further evidence.
The ban, which takes effect within 90 days, has sparked widespread condemnation, with EU member states including Ireland, Norway, and the UK issuing statements warning of potential destabilising repercussions. Ireland’s Prime Minister called the move “disastrous and shameful,” while UK opposition leader Keir Starmer cautioned that it risks “jeopardising the entire humanitarian response” in Gaza.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini highlighted the impact on Palestinian civilians, warning that the legislation would “only deepen their suffering.” Current estimates place the death toll in the Israel-Gaza conflict at over 1,700 Israelis and nearly 43,000 Palestinians, including 13,000 children, underscoring the gravity of the humanitarian crisis at hand.
