UN Security Council Warns Against Dismantling the Agency

WASHINGTON

UN Security Council members issued a warning on Wednesday against attempts to dismantle the Palestinian refugee agency, known as UNRWA, emphasizing its vital role in the humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the Security Council members strongly opposed any efforts to reduce or undermine UNRWA’s operations and mandate, noting that any disruption would lead to severe humanitarian consequences for millions of Palestinian refugees reliant on the agency’s services, as well as broader regional implications.

This warning followed the Israeli Knesset’s adoption of bills aimed at limiting UNRWA’s operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Security Council members expressed “grave concern” over this legislation and urged Israel to fulfill its international obligations while respecting the privileges and immunities of the UN agency.

The statement called on all parties to allow UNRWA to fulfill its mandate as determined by the General Assembly, adhering to humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and to respect international humanitarian law, including the protection of UN and humanitarian facilities.

They also urged all parties to take necessary measures to facilitate humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, in line with international humanitarian law.
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