‘Deeply deplorable’: European nations condemn Israel’s UNRWA ban

Several European countries have criticized the Israeli regime's ban on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, urging a reversal of the decision that would force the agency to vacate all premises in the occupied al-Quds and cease operations.

The European nations condemned Israel’s unilateral withdrawal from the 1967 agreement with UNRWA through a joint statement delivered by Spain's Permanent Representative Ambassador Hector Gómes Hernándes during a UNSC meeting on Tuesday.

The Spanish diplomat read the statement on behalf of Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia and Spain, stating that the countries "deeply deplore" the Israeli parliament's decision made on 28 October,  which is aimed at abolishing UNRWA's activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The countries accused the Israeli regime of obstructing the agency’s ability to carry out its UN-mandated work. The ban on UNRWA is set to take effect on January 30.

Israel says UNRWA must evacuate occupied territories within 48 hours

Israel says it will terminate all ties with UNRWA and any other body acting on its behalf in the occupied territories.

The spokesperson for UNRWA, Jens Laerke, reaffirmed the UN's full support for the agency and its Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini regarding the matter.

“As we have said since this was first discussed in the political realm of this conflict, this does not make any sense,” Laerke said. “And I recall when they were first introduced, we urged, as a UN system, to reconsider these provisions,” he added.

In addition to Laerke's remarks, Lazzarini described Tel Aviv’s actions against the agency as a "relentless assault" that is "harming the lives and future of Palestinians across the occupied territories." "It is eroding their trust in the international community, jeopardizing any prospect for peace and security.”

Lazzarini warned that the ban on the agency's activities "will sabotage Gaza's recovery," and "undermine the ceasefire."

The ban has raised alarms about disruptions to critical aid for millions of Palestinian refugees, raising concerns about the exacerbation of the already dire humanitarian circumstances in Palestine.

UNRWA chief warns of 'catastrophic consequences' of Israeli ban on agency

The UNRWA head warns the recent Israeli law banning the agency could lead to "catastrophic consequences."

The Israeli regime's parliament (Knesset) had last year approved a bill branding the agency as a "terrorist organization". In October, Tel Aviv enacted legislation banning UNRWA from operating in the occupied territories.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees was established by the UN General Assembly in 1949 to provide humanitarian and other essential services to Palestine refugees until a political solution is reached.

Late last year, the regime forcefully terminated the activities of UNRWA, putting millions of lives at risk. Despite the pressures inflicted upon the crucial relief practices across the Palestinian territories, the local staff continue to provide emergency assistance to Palestinians.

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