BRUSSELS, February 3, 2025 (WAFA) - The European Union condemned the Israeli occupation government's ban on the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the region.

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaya Kallas said in a statement last night that the Israeli legislation raises concerns due to its comprehensive consequences for UNRWA operations in the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and Gaza.

The statement indicated that the European Union condemns any attempts to cancel the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA, or to hinder the ability of the UN agency to perform its mandate, stressing that providing basic services to Palestinian refugees has become even more important in light of the need to implement the ceasefire agreement quickly in particular.

It also stressed that the European Union is determined to continue its support to enable UNRWA to perform its mandate.

It stated that the European Union awaits the full implementation of the recommendations contained in the Independent Review Group report, following the accusations against some UNRWA employees, calling on the United Nations to take more decisive steps to ensure neutrality and accountability, and to strengthen oversight to prevent such incidents.

On October 28, 2024, the Knesset finally approved, by a large majority, two laws that prohibit UNRWA from carrying out any activities inside Israel, withdraw its privileges and facilities, and prevent any official contact with it.

The Israeli government’s decision to ban UNRWA’s work in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem went into effect last Thursday.

K.T