The recent passing of two laws by the Israeli parliament that label the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) a “terror” group and bans the organization from operating on Israeli soil has sparked international condemnation. The move would prevent UNRWA from providing crucial support to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The global reaction has been swift and unified in denouncing Israel’s actions.
The Palestinian presidency, Hamas, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad have all strongly condemned the Israeli legislation, with the Palestinian presidency calling Israel a “fascist state.” Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of the United Nations has called UNRWA’s work indispensable and urged Israel to act in accordance with international law. Various countries, including China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Jordan, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Australia, Belgium, and Switzerland, have also criticized Israel’s move, highlighting the importance of UNRWA in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The World Health Organization and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus have stressed the devastating consequences of banning UNRWA from its life-saving work.
The international community’s response underscores the critical role UNRWA plays in supporting Palestinian refugees across the Middle East, despite the Israeli government’s efforts to restrict its operations. The laws passed by the Israeli parliament have been perceived as a violation of international law and the mandate of the United Nations, sparking widespread concern and calls for Israel to allow UNRWA to continue its essential work uninterrupted.
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