“Reckless” UNRWA ban will cost Palestinian lives
28 October, 2024 – ActionAid condemns the ban on the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Israel, passed by the Knesset which paralyses the UN agency’s ability to provide essential humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinian refugees.
Jamil Sawalmeh, Country Director for ActionAid in Palestine, said: “This ban on UNRWA’s life-saving work in Israel is a reckless attack on humanitarian aid that will cost the lives of countless Palestinians. We strongly condemn the legislation, and stand in solidarity with UNRWA, whose essential role in supporting millions of Palestinian refugees cannot be overstated. This outrageous move by the Israeli Government will dismantle the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza, cutting off a vital lifeline for millions of Palestinians for whom life has become a living hell.
“There is no viable alternative to UNRWA. With a mandate from the UN General Assembly, it provides crucial services such as education, healthcare and social support to millions of Palestinians who rely on these services for their daily survival. Tearing up UNRWA’s mandate is not only an affront to the values of multilateralism, but also sets a dangerous precedent with global implications.
“This vote was passed amidst the ongoing bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces, who continue to attack populated areas, resulting in mass killing of Palestinians, the obliteration of Gaza’s last remaining hospitals and the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.
“Instead of pressuring Israel to end its genocide in Gaza, world leaders have instead stood by silently and allowed Israel to criminalise humanitarian aid. We demand that world leaders stand against Israel’s illegal actions and use all means available to prevent this shameful legislation from being enforced.”
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We have spokespeople available for interview on request. Please contact the ActionAid press office on uk.media@actionaid.org or on 07753 973 486.
For more detail on the impact of the ban, please see the joint NGO statement issued on 26 October by more than 50 NGOs and human rights organisations including Human Rights Watch and Oxfam: https://actionaid.org/news/2024/urgent-global-appeal-defend-unrwa-israeli-ban-and-prevent-catastrophic-consequences