NEW YORK: Members of the United Nations Security Council have expressed deep concern over recent Israeli legislation adopted by the Knesset, which disrupts the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
They urged the Israeli government to adhere to its international obligations, respect UNRWA’s privileges and immunities, and fulfil its responsibilities by ensuring the swift, safe, and unimpeded delivery of all forms of humanitarian aid across the Gaza Strip, including essential services urgently needed by the civilian population.
In a statement issued by consensus, Council members highlighted the critical role UNRWA plays in delivering life-saving aid to Palestinian refugees through education, health, relief, and essential social services across the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Lebanon, and the Syrian Arab Republic.
The statement reinforced the UN’s position that UNRWA is the cornerstone of all humanitarian responses in Gaza, noting tha
t no organisation can replace or fulfil UNRWA’s unique mandate to support Palestinian refugees and civilians in urgent need of life-saving assistance.
Council members strongly warned against any efforts to dismantle or reduce UNRWA’s operations and mandate, recognising that any disruption to its work would have severe humanitarian consequences for millions of Palestinian refugees reliant on its services and broader implications for regional stability.
The Security Council urged all parties to enable UNRWA to fulfil its General Assembly mandate across its areas of operation, fully respecting the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and upholding international humanitarian law, including the protection of UN and humanitarian facilities.
Members highlighted the independent review of mechanisms and procedures to ensure UNRWA’s adherence to humanitarian neutrality, led by Catherine Colonna, and welcomed the commitment of the Secretary-General and the agency to fully i
mplement its recommendations, calling for their expedited enactment in alignment with UNRWA’s commitment to neutrality.
The Council called on all parties to take necessary steps to permit and facilitate humanitarian aid access to civilians in Gaza, in accordance with international humanitarian law, while recognising the dedication of UNRWA staff, who work under extremely challenging conditions to fulfil the agency’s mandate. They also acknowledged the support of UN member states in strengthening their assistance to UNRWA.
Source: Emirates News Agency