France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, Germany, and South Korea on Tuesday expressed deep concern over Israel’s decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
The Israeli parliament on Monday passed a law that prohibits UNRWA operations within its territory, citing security concerns and the involvement of UNRWA workers in last year’s horrific October 7 terrorist attacks that killed 1200 people in Israel and resulted in over 250 being taken as hostages by Hamas.
“UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable. Since avoiding a humanitarian crisis is also essential, sustained humanitarian aid must remain available in Gaza now and in the future,” read a statement issued by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
“In the 90 days before this legislation takes effect – and after – we stand ready to work with our international partners to ensure Israel continues to facilitate humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza in a way that does not threaten Israel’s security,” it added.
