Israeli Ban on UNRWA: A Criminalization of Humanitarian Aid
What Did Amnesty International’s Secretary General Say?
Reacting to the Israeli parliament passing a law banning UNRWA in Israel, Agnès Callamard condemned the move as a direct attack on Palestinian refugee rights.
How Does the Ban Impact Palestinian Refugees?
- Forced closure of UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem.
- End of visas for agency staff.
- Will worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
Why is UNRWA Essential?
UNRWA has been a vital source of assistance for Palestinian refugees for 75 years, offering food, water, medical aid, education, and shelter.
What Is the Global Response?
The international community must condemn the law and pressure Israel to repeal it to prevent further suffering for Palestinians.
Background on UNRWA
UNRWA, established in 1949, supports the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees, funded mainly by voluntary contributions from UN Member States.
Impact of Funding Suspension
- Several states and the EU suspended funding over allegations of staff involvement in attacks by Hamas.
- Most states have reinstated funding, except the US, where support remains frozen.
The ban on UNRWA by Israel is a severe blow to humanitarian assistance for Palestinian refugees and must be strongly opposed to prevent further suffering.
Source: www.amnesty.org