The European Union (EU) expressed serious concern over a draft legislation under discussion in the Israeli Knesset that could severely impact the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
In a statement issued on Saturday, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell stressed that the EU fully supports the UN Secretary-General’s warnings regarding the legislation. Borrell highlighted the potential serious consequences if the bill is passed, stating that it would undermine UNRWA’s ability to provide essential services to Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.
If adopted, the legislation would revoke the diplomatic privileges and immunities granted to UNRWA, threatening the continuation of its operations in East Jerusalem. This could lead to the cancellation of the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA, jeopardizing life-saving operations in Gaza and severely disrupting access to health, education, and social services across the West Bank.
Borrell emphasized that UNRWA is crucial for regional stability and plays a vital role in maintaining conditions on the ground that support a two-state solution. He urged Israeli authorities to allow UNRWA to continue its operations in accordance with its UN General Assembly mandate, which serves millions of Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.
The Knesset had initially approved the bill in July, labeling UNRWA a terrorist organization. The final vote on the legislation is expected next week.
The EU, Borrell noted, is a strong advocate for the United Nations and a multilateral, rules-based global governance system, of which UNRWA is a critical component.
