Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the UNRWA legislation

The European Union takes note of the Israeli legislation on UNRWA, which has just been adopted.

The EU condemns any attempt to abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA or to otherwise attempt to obstruct its capacity to operate its mandate.

If implemented, the laws will have far-reaching consequences, stopping all UNRWA’s operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, de facto preventing UNRWA’s vital operations in Gaza hampering UNRWA’s provision of health, education and social services in the West Bank and revoking UNRWA’s diplomatic privileges and immunities in Israel.

It is essential that UNRWA can continue carrying out its crucial work in line with its mandate adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1949 and renewed since.

UNRWA provides essential services to millions of people in Gaza, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and across the region, including Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. The EU reiterates UNRWA’s crucial role in the humanitarian response to the Palestine refugees in the region, delivering life-saving support to a population facing critical and immense needs. UNRWA also plays a fundamental role in providing education and health services.

The EU is a firm supporter of the United Nations and the multilateral and rules-based international order of which UNRWA is a part. UN agencies uphold and implement both the letter and the spirit of the UN Charter, and play a crucial role in maintaining global security. The EU is committed to continuing its support to the Agency, and closely monitors and evaluates the implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Review Group report following the allegations against some UNRWA staff and looks forward to further decisive action by the UN to ensure neutrality, accountability and strengthen control and oversight in order to prevent further cases.

As long as there is no sustainable solution to the conflict, the mandate of UNRWA will remain vital.