Britain, France, and Germany expressed deep concern on Friday over Israel’s enforcement of a law banning contact between its officials and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). In a joint statement published by the British government, the three nations called on Israel to collaborate with international partners, including the UN, to ensure the continuation of UNRWA’s operations.
UNRWA, meanwhile, warned that any forced suspension of its work in Gaza could undermine the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, according to Reuters. Juliette Touma, UNRWA’s Director of Communications and Media, stated during a press conference in Geneva that the fragile ceasefire could collapse if the agency is barred from delivering and distributing essential supplies.
Despite the Israeli ban, which reportedly took effect on Thursday, UNRWA’s operations in Gaza and other areas continue. The agency plays a vital role in providing healthcare, education, and other essential services to Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, which has endured 15 months of conflict with Israel.
Background on UNRWA
Established in December 1949 following a UN General Assembly resolution, UNRWA was created to assist Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. The agency has since become a cornerstone of humanitarian support for Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and other regions.
Israeli Supreme Court Upholds Ban
On Wednesday, Israel’s Supreme Court rejected a petition filed by the Adalah Center for Palestinian Human Rights challenging the ban on UNRWA’s operations. The court stated that after reviewing arguments from both sides, it found no grounds to overturn the legislation. According to AFP, the court clarified that the ban applies only to UNRWA’s activities within Israel’s sovereign territory, excluding the West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, the ruling affects East Jerusalem, where UNRWA maintains a field office for its West Bank operations.
The Adalah Center condemned the decision, accusing Israel of disregarding the humanitarian consequences. While the ban has garnered support from the United States, it has faced widespread criticism from humanitarian organizations and some of Washington’s allies.