Syrians have suffered enough, their voices must be heard
The Security Council discussed the latest developments in Syria today, where…
Today, the Security Council addressed the role of UNRWA, which is under threat of being banned and its operations crippled. Full implementation of the legislation, passed by the Israeli Knesset in October last year and due to take effect in two days, would have devastating consequences. Slovenia reiterates that UNRWA is the backbone of Gaza’s humanitarian response and critical for supporting the ceasefire agreement. Moreover, its mandate was not set by domestic legislation. The Agency was mandated by the UN General Assembly.
As underlined by Deputy Permanent Representative Ondina Blokar Drobič, two Knesset laws aimed at ending and curtailing UNRWA’s lifesaving work, would undermine not only the ceasefire agreement and the recovery of Gaza but also the work of the UN and the support of Member States to Palestinian refugees. The Deputy PR made it clear that UNRWA is mandated by the UN General Assembly and supported by more than 150 UN members. Therefore, it us up to the General Assembly to determine its future. Additionally, the Knesset legislation offers no alternative and would heighten regional instability.
The Deputy PR also reminded the Council members of the letter sent by the Secretary-General in December last year. “As written in the letter, in the event that UNRWA is compelled to cease its activities in the OPT, Israel would be left to ensure that the range of services and assistance which UNRWA has been providing are provided. Regrettably, we have not heard any such assurances from the Israeli government,” she stated.
In conclusion, Slovenia called on the Israeli government to push back against the implementation of the legislation. Until a viable political transition is ensured and Palestinians live in their own state, UNRWA’s work remains critical.
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