The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is standing firm against a new Israeli ban, vowing to continue its humanitarian mission despite growing tensions. On Thursday, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric announced that UNRWA remains committed to providing essential services to Palestinian refugees.
In October 2024, the Israeli parliament passed two laws prohibiting UNRWA from operating within the country and forbidding Israeli authorities from engaging with the agency. These laws took effect on Thursday, prompting concerns over the future of aid delivery in the region.
\"UNRWA says that it is committed to staying and delivering,\" Dujarric stated during a daily briefing. He noted that while the agency's headquarters in East Jerusalem was largely empty except for security personnel, staff members were actively working from the field, clinics, or remotely.
\"Clinics across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are open,\" he affirmed. UNRWA continues to provide health care, education, and food assistance in the Gaza Strip, ensuring that vital services reach millions of Palestinians in need.
When questioned about directives to UNRWA staff in light of the Israeli law, Dujarric responded, \"The directive is that UNRWA will continue to do its work until it no longer can.\"
Israel announced on Wednesday that it would sever all ties with UNRWA starting Thursday. The Israeli government accuses the agency of employing Hamas operatives and facilitating \"terror activity\" in Gaza. \"UNRWA is riddled with Hamas,\" Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein claimed on social media platform X. \"Beginning Jan. 30, Israel will cease all engagement with UNRWA in accordance with Israeli law,\" he wrote.
Since its establishment in 1950, UNRWA has been providing assistance to Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The agency's continued operation is considered crucial by many international observers and aid organizations.
The Israeli ban has sparked condemnation from global leaders and humanitarian groups, who warn that it threatens life-saving aid, education, and healthcare services for millions of Palestinians. The United Nations has repeatedly cautioned about the disastrous consequences of restricting UNRWA's work in the region.
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UNRWA defies Israeli ban, vows to continue aid amid backlash
cgtn.com
