BRUSSELS, Friday, May 31, 2024 (WAFA) - The European Union expressed deep concern about discussions in the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) on designating UNRWA as a terrorist organization and removing its staff’s immunities and privileges.

The EU is also concerned that the Israeli Land Authority ordered UNRWA to vacate its East Jerusalem premises within the next 30 days, said the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, Josep Borrell, in a statement on attempts to label the UN agency a 'terrorist organization'.

The EU condemns any attempts to label a UN agency as a terrorist organization, read the statement. “We recall the crucial and irreplaceable role of UNRWA in the humanitarian response in Gaza. “UNRWA provides vital services to millions of people in Gaza, the West Bank, as well as across the region, including in Lebanon and Jordan.”

“The EU is a strong supporter to the Agency, and remains, with its Member States, its biggest donor. We are committed to continuing our support, also in view of UNRWA’s implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Review Group report.”

The EU is also a firm supporter of the United Nations and the multilateral and rules-based global governance system of which UNRWA, as a UN agency, is a part, said the statement.

The statement urged the Israeli authorities to allow UNRWA to continue carrying out its crucial work in line with its mandate.

On Wednesday, the Israeli Knesset approved, in the first reading, a draft law labeling UNRWA as a “terrorist organization.”

T.R.