The United Nations relief agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, is standing firm in its mission despite the recent Israeli ban. In October 2024, the Israeli parliament enacted two laws that prohibit UNRWA from operating in the country and ban Israeli authorities from any contact with the agency. These laws took effect on Thursday, marking a significant challenge for the agency.
\"UNRWA says that it is committed to staying and delivering,\" stated Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during a daily briefing. Dujarric reassured that although the headquarters building in East Jerusalem is now empty aside from security personnel, UNRWA staff members remain active in the field, working at clinics or remotely from other locations.
\"Clinics across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are open,\" he added. The agency continues to provide essential health and education assistance, as well as food aid, in the Gaza Strip.
When questioned about directives following the new Israeli law, Dujarric affirmed, \"UNRWA will continue to do its work until it no longer can.\"
In response, Israel announced it would sever all ties with UNRWA starting Thursday, accusing the agency of employing Hamas operatives and facilitating \"terror activity\" in Gaza. \"UNRWA is riddled with Hamas,\" stated Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein 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 pivotal in assisting Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The Israeli ban now threatens life-saving aid, education, and healthcare for millions of Palestinians, drawing condemnation from international leaders and aid groups. The United Nations has consistently warned of the dire consequences arising from this development.
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UNRWA defies Israeli ban, vows to continue aid amid backlash
cgtn.com
