UNRWA USA Condemns Israeli Knesset Vote Banning UNRWA, Calls for Immediate US Action to Protect Humanitarian Lifeline for Palestine Refugees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Washington DC – UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA) unequivocally condemns the Israeli Knesset’s appalling October 28th vote to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in Israel “including the areas of annexed East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank” within 90 days. Israeli lawmakers also voted to declare UNRWA a “terror group,” effectively banning any direct interaction between the UN Agency and the State of Israel.
These outrageous and reprehensible decisions threaten millions of Palestine refugees in the occupied Palestinian territory who are already enduring unbearable and unspeakable suffering, with many experts calling the situation in the Gaza Strip, in particular, genocide. This ban, if implemented, will sever essential lifelines—healthcare, mental health counseling, food assistance, water, education, and more—for millions of people living in the occupied Palestinian territory, a great majority of whom are children and youth.
“The human cost of this ban is immeasurable. This Israeli Knesset vote banning UNRWA is not merely an attack on the UN Agency; it’s an attack on the fundamental rights and dignity due to all human beings. The consequences of this ban could result in the loss of tens of thousands, if not more, precious Palestinian lives. Where is the humanity?” says Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director of UNRWA USA.
If UNRWA operations are halted in the blockaded Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, tens of thousands of refugees could die due to the lack of life-saving services and resources.
The international community, including the United Nations, recognizes there is no alternative to UNRWA, particularly in Gaza, which has suffered under more than 12 months of relentless assault by the Israeli military.
As Matthew Miller, department spokesperson, stated yesterday at the US Department of State Press Briefing, UNRWA “plays an irreplaceable role right now in Gaza, where they are on the front lines getting humanitarian assistance to the people that need it. There’s nobody that can replace [UNRWA] right now in the middle of the crisis.” In fact, UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, providing essential services in healthcare, shelter operations, food and water, education, sanitation, and logistics that support the entire international operation. Without UNRWA, Gaza will deteriorate into an even greater catastrophe, with unimaginable and irreversible consequences for its people.
As a UN agency, UNRWA requires unimpeded humanitarian access to protect lives and deliver necessary assistance. The staff, facilities, and installations of UNRWA—and all UN personnel—must be protected and never be targets for military aggression.
The international community is rightly outraged by this inhumane decision, as shown by the widespread condemnation from humanitarian organizations, state governments, and advocates worldwide. Many Americans, including UNRWA USA’s over 100,000 supporters, are expressing their rage and dismay. Now is the time for leaders, especially here in the United States, to intervene and take decisive action to defend UNRWA’s mandate and ability to protect and save Palestine refugee lives.
UNRWA USA remains fully committed to funding UNRWA’s critical life-saving humanitarian operations in the besieged Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem, for as long as UNRWA remains operational. UNRWA USA unequivocally condemns the Israeli government’s ban and encourages leaders here in the United States and around the world to ensure that this ban will never be implemented.
UNRWA USA urges everyone to stand in solidarity with Palestine refugees and declare: Hands off UNRWA.
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UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA) is an independent nonprofit organization that provides support for the humanitarian work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA USA lifts up the voices, experiences, and humanity of Palestine refugees to secure American support for resources essential to every human being, for the promise of a better life. US taxpayers are eligible for tax deductions for donations made through UNRWA USA.
The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is catastrophic, with the entire population facing famine-level starvation as well as constant bombardment, blockades, and limited access to fuel, electricity, and medical supplies. UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip and a lifeline for millions of Palestine refugees across the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
Media Contact: For more information, contact Laila Mokhiber, Senior Director of Communications, UNRWA USA, by phone at (202) 223-3767 or via email at laila@unrwausa.org.