Fri Jan 31 11:46:36 UTC 2025: **UK, France, and Germany Condemn Israel’s Ban on UN Aid Agency UNRWA**

GENEVA/NEW YORK – The UK, France, and Germany have voiced “grave concern” over Israel’s new law prohibiting contact between Israeli officials and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The law, which took effect Thursday, effectively shuts down UNRWA’s operations in Israeli-controlled territory, including East Jerusalem, and forbids contact between Israeli officials and UNRWA staff.

UNRWA, which provides essential aid to nearly six million Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the West Bank, warned that the ban jeopardizes the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and could lead to a humanitarian crisis. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini called the agency a “lifeline” for Palestinians, and spokesperson Juliette Touma stated that halting aid distribution would put the ceasefire “in jeopardy.”

Israel accuses UNRWA of providing cover for Hamas, a claim UNRWA vehemently denies, and has not provided evidence to support. While UNRWA clinics remain open in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the ban impacts operations and has already resulted in the non-renewal of visas for at least a dozen UNRWA staff members. Further, the ban hinders the agency’s ability to operate on Israeli soil and distribute aid effectively, putting its 5,000 staff members in Gaza at risk.

The international community’s reaction has been swift. Norway announced a $24 million contribution to UNRWA, emphasizing the agency’s crucial role in a devastated Gaza. Turkey condemned the move as a “blatant violation of international law.” Despite Israel’s Supreme Court rejecting a petition challenging the ban, arguing it only applied to Israeli sovereign territory, the ban’s impact on UNRWA’s operations in occupied territories remains a significant concern. The three European nations’ joint statement urges Israel to cooperate with international partners to ensure the continuity of UNRWA’s vital services. UNRWA itself described the situation as a “nightmare scenario,” fearing there is “no plan B.”

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