International community condemns Israel’s ban on UN workers

The United Nations and nations throughout the world condemned Israel after Israel’s parliament approved two laws designating the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) as a “terror” group and prohibiting the humanitarian organization from functioning on Israeli territory, on October 28, 2024.

According to report, the legislation would prohibit UNRWA from offering Palestinians in the West Bank and Israeli-occupied Gaza life-saving assistance, if enacted.

The UN General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949.

It was aimed at aiding Palestinian refugees who had been uprooted from their homes during the establishment of Israel.

It continues to be the primary humanitarian organization in Gaza.

This is because the organization provides aid to millions of Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.

Here is a summary of the international response to Israel‘s action, per the report:

Palestine

According to report, the Israeli legislation was denounced and rejected by the Palestinian presidency.

“We will not allow this.

“The overwhelming vote of the Knesset reflects Israel’s transformation into a fascist state”, stated Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a presidential spokesperson in Ramallah.

Additionally, Hamas condemned the action, claiming that the law is “part of the Zionist war and aggression against our people”.

It was described as “an escalation in the genocide” against Palestinians by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

United Nations

UNRWA’s mission is “indispensable”, according to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Guterres also stated that there is “no alternative” to the organization.

“The implementation of the laws could have devastating consequences for Palestine refugees in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which is unacceptable”, he said.

“Act consistently with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and its other obligations under international law”, he urged Israel.

The Head of UNRWA, Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, said the Knesset action “opposes the UN Charter and violates the State of Israel’s obligations under international law”, setting a “dangerous precedent”.

He said on X: ” These bills will only deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in #Gaza where people have been going through more than a year of sheer hell”.

China

The Chinese representative to the UN, Fu Cong tagged the Israeli move “outrageous”.

“We are firmly opposed to this decision.

“As I said, this is an outrageous decision and we do believe that UNRWA has played a key role in maintaining a lifeline for the Palestinian people in Gaza”, he disclosed to reporters in New York.

Russia

Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Mr. Vasily Nebenzia, called Israel’s UNRWA embargo “terrible”.

Mr. Nebenzia claimed it exacerbates the situation in Gaza.

Additionally, he urged the United States to “pay their dues to UNRWA to demonstrate their commitment to the agency”.

Reports disclosed that US is Israel’s principal ally.

The US withdrew financing from the organization as reported.

This was after Israel accused some of UNRWA’s employees of participating in Hamas’ October 7 strikes on southern Israel

This decision, some detractors called disproportionate.

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also voiced serious concerns.

Starmer disclosed that the Israeli law “risks making UNRWA’s essential work for Palestinians impossible”.

He called Gaza’s humanitarian situation “simply unacceptable”.

The Prime Minister also insisted that Israel ensure enough aid gets to the enclave’s civilian population.

He declared: “Only UNRWA can deliver humanitarian aid at the scale and pace needed”.

Jordan

The Israeli action was “strongly condemned” by Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Reports revealed it was called a “flagrant violation of international law and the obligations of Israel as the occupying power” in Palestine.

He forewarned that there would be “catastrophic consequences” from the Israeli assault “aimed at assassinating UNRWA politically”.

Ireland, Norway, Slovenia and Spain

In a united statement, the four European governments denounced the Knesset’s targeting of the organization.

They all equally recognize Palestinian statehood.

“UNRWA has a mandate from the United Nations General Assembly”, the statement stated.

“The legislation approved by the Knesset sets a very serious precedent for the work of the United Nations and for all organizations of the multilateral system”.

Australia

According to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, UNRWA saves lives.

Minister Wong stated that her government is against the Israeli Knesset’s plan to “severely restrict” the organization’s activities.

“Australia again calls on Israel to comply with the binding orders of the [International Court of Justice] to enable the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale in Gaza”, she posted on X.

Belgium

Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib pleaded with Israeli officials to allow UNRWA to fulfill its role throughout the Middle East.

This is as mandated by the UN General Assembly.

“Life-saving services in Gaza, the West Bank – including East Jerusalem – and across Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan,” according to Lahbib, were offered by the organization.

She stated on X that UNRWA is essential to regional stability.

Switzerland

In a post on X, the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its worry about the humanitarian, political, and legal ramifications of Israeli legislation that prohibits collaboration with UNRWA.

World Health Organization

According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, UNRWA was established by the UN member states.

DG Ghebreyesus disclosed that for the past 70 years, UNRWA has been a “irreplaceable lifeline” for the Palestinian people.

“UNRWA was created by the UN member states.

“Today’s decision by the Israeli parliament barring UNRWA from its life-saving and health-protecting work on behalf of millions of Palestinians will have devastating consequences”, he stated on X.

“This is intolerable.

“It contravenes Israel’s obligations and responsibilities, and threatens the lives and health of all those who depend on UNRWA”.

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