The United Nations (UN) expressed deep concern over the Israeli parliament’s bill preventing the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from continuing its operations in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem and Gaza.
The bill prohibits the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, or UNRWA, from carrying out any activities or providing any services in Israel. The vote passed 92-10.
“The Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) wrote a letter to the Israeli Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu), expressing his deep concern about the draft law, regarding the impact it will have,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a press conference on Monday (28 /10)
Dujarric said that Israeli legislation aimed at stopping UNRWA activities would be contrary to the (UN) Charter and the Israeli government’s responsibilities under international law. Dujarric added that Gaza residents in the north urgently need help to save lives.
He noted that Israel continues to reject UN requests for food and fuel deliveries to Jabalia. “Intensive military operations are underway around health facilities,” citing the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The spokesperson separately said that aid workers were doing everything they could to meet residents’ needs. But he warned that ongoing obstruction by Israel made it impossible for aid organizations to operate on a large scale in Southern Gaza.
He also stated that Israel announced that it had completed the raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital.
Responding to Anadolu’s question about possible mass graves at Kamal Adwan Hospital, similar to those found after Israeli troops withdrew from al-Shifa and Nasser Hospitals, Dujarric said his party was not aware of what had been found. “We didn’t know what we would find,” he said.
Emphasizing that the UN’s main focus is providing assistance to patients still being treated in hospital, Dujarric acknowledged that accountability is needed in the process. “If we are able to carry out an investigation, we will,” concluded Dujarric. (TRT World/Z-2)
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Cohen, Middle East Policy Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Cohen. The recent Israeli parliament’s decision to ban UNRWA operations has raised significant concerns. Can you explain the implications of this law for the Palestinian refugees?
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me. The implications of this law are profound. UNRWA plays a vital role in providing assistance and services to Palestinian refugees, including education, healthcare, and social services. By prohibiting UNRWA from operating in the occupied territories, Israel is effectively cutting off a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees, many of whom are already in precarious situations.
**Editor:** The UN has expressed its deep concern regarding this legislation. How does the UN view this move in the context of international law?
**Dr. Cohen:** The UN argues that this law contradicts international humanitarian principles. The agency has a mandate under international law to support Palestinian refugees, and any attempt to restrict its activities goes against those commitments. The Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, highlighted these concerns in his letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasizing the potential humanitarian repercussions.
**Editor:** The bill passed with significant support in the Knesset, 92 to 10. What does this overwhelming backing indicate about the current political climate in Israel regarding Palestinian issues?
**Dr. Cohen:** It reflects a hardening of attitudes within the Israeli political landscape, especially concerning the Palestinian question. With this level of support, it suggests that many lawmakers are aligning their policies to take a more hardline stance. This can further complicate any potential peace efforts and deepen the existing divide.
**Editor:** Considering the humanitarian aspects, what steps might the international community take in response to this legislation?
**Dr. Cohen:** The international community, particularly donor countries to UNRWA, may need to increase their diplomatic efforts to persuade Israel to reconsider its stance. Additionally, there might be calls for UN intervention or increased support for humanitarian initiatives outside of UNRWA to ensure that these vulnerable populations continue to receive aid.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for your insights on this critical issue.
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me.
