New York: Members of the United Nations Security Council have strongly warned against any attempts to dismantle or reduce the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), stressing that any interruption or suspension of its work would have grave humanitarian consequences for the millions of Palestine refugees who depend on its services, as well as implications for the United Nations and the region.
According to Jordan News Agency, in a unanimous statement issued on Wednesday, they expressed their deep concern over the legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset. They urged the Israeli government to abide by its international obligations, respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA, and fulfill its responsibility to allow and facilitate the full, rapid, safe, secure, and unhindered delivery of all forms of humanitarian assistance to the entire Gaza Strip, including the provision of much-needed basic services to the civilian population.
They stress
ed UNRWA’s vital role in providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees through education, health, relief, and basic social services programs, and emergency assistance in its areas of operation. They called on all parties to enable UNRWA to carry out its mandate, as approved by the General Assembly, in all areas of operations, with full respect for the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence, and respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of UN and humanitarian facilities.
Security Council statements are issued with the agreement of all 15 Council members without a vote, while Council resolutions are adopted by voting.