The European Union has expressed deep apprehension regarding a draft bill currently under discussion in the Israeli parliament that threatens the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). This legislation, if passed, could have catastrophic implications for Palestine refugees in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza.
In a statement, the EU underscored its support for the UN Secretary General’s call to address the situation, emphasizing that the draft bill would prevent UNRWA from continuing its vital services. “The final adoption of the bill would abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA, stopping all operations in Israel and East Jerusalem,” a high-ranking EU official stated. “This would destroy UNRWA’s life-saving operations in Gaza and seriously hamper the provision of health, education, and social services in the West Bank.”
The EU has urged Israeli authorities to allow UNRWA to carry out its crucial work in accordance with its mandate adopted by the UN General Assembly. “UNRWA provides essential services to millions of people across the region, including Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, and is a pillar of regional stability,” the official added. “It plays a fundamental role in ensuring the conditions on the ground for a credible pathway towards the Two-State solution.”
The potential legislation would not only halt UNRWA’s operations but also revoke its diplomatic privileges and immunities, significantly undermining its effectiveness. The EU reiterated its commitment to supporting UNRWA and closely monitoring the implementation of recommendations from the Independent Review Group report. “We are committed to ensuring neutrality, accountability, and strengthening control and oversight over the operations of the Agency,” the EU representative affirmed.
As the situation unfolds, the EU remains a firm supporter of the United Nations and the multilateral, rules-based global governance system, recognizing UNRWA’s critical role in providing humanitarian assistance and fostering stability in a volatile region. The implications of this draft bill extend beyond immediate humanitarian concerns, potentially jeopardizing the fragile peace process and the future of countless refugees reliant on UNRWA’s services.
