Image Source: Daily Sabah
World – The United Nations Security Council issued a strong warning about the severe humanitarian consequences that would follow any attempt to dismantle or weaken the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
They emphasised that UNRWA is more than an aid agency in Gaza, it serves as the foundation of humanitarian support for millions of Palestinian refugees, with no other organisation able to match its mandate and capacity.
“The members of the Security Council emphasised the vital role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees through essential education, health, relief and social services programmes and emergency assistance in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Jordan, Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic.”
Expressing serious concerns over recent legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset, which labels UNRWA as a terrorist organisation and restricts its operations in occupied Palestinian territories, the Council called on Israel to uphold its international obligations, including the privileges and protections granted to UNRWA.
The Security Council urged all parties to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza without obstruction and is fully aligned with international humanitarian law.
They highlighted that open access for UNRWA, and other humanitarian organisations is essential to uphold the dignity and rights of Palestinian refugees, safeguard civilian well-being, and maintain stability in the region.
“The members of the Security Council demanded to all parties to enable UNRWA to carry out its mandate, as adopted by the General Assembly, in all areas of operation, with full respect for the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and to respect international humanitarian law including the protection of UN and humanitarian facilities.”
