The United Nations has reiterated its stance that Israel will have to meet the humanitarian needs of Palestinians under international law if it goes ahead with plans to cut ties with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stressed that there is no alternative to UNRWA, which has been providing vital aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Israel has been pushing for changes to UNRWA’s mandate, citing concerns over the agency’s alleged ties to the Hamas militant group. However, the UN has repeatedly emphasized that UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian operations in Gaza, and that its closure would have devastating consequences for the population.
The UN has urged Israel to ensure the needs of Palestinians are met, including for food, healthcare, and education, as an occupying power under international humanitarian law. If Israel is unable to meet these needs, it has an obligation to allow and facilitate the activities of humanitarian agencies, including UNRWA.
The United Nations Urges Israel to Meet Humanitarian Needs (Image via Getty)
The Israeli government has claimed that UNRWA has failed in its mandate and is no longer the right agency to provide humanitarian aid in Gaza. However, UN agencies have stressed that UNRWA is the only organization capable of providing the level of aid and services required in Gaza, and that its closing would lead to a humanitarian crisis.
The world body has received support from various quarters and countries, including the United States, which has expressed deep concern over the Israeli legislation and urged the UN to create a mechanism to review and address allegations of UNRWA personnel having ties to Hamas and other terrorist groups.
The UN has reiterated that it has no alternative to UNRWA and has urged Israel to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, in accordance with international law. The world body has also warned that the Israeli legislation poses risks for millions of Palestinians who rely on UNRWA for essential services, and that there may be consequences under US law and policy if it takes effect.
