The international community is vociferously condemning an Israeli bill that aims to designate the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a terrorist organization. The bill, passed in a preliminary motion by the Knesset on May 30, seeks to shut down UNRWA offices in Israel and remove diplomatic immunities from its staff. This has led to widespread criticism from several countries and prominent international bodies.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), condemned the bill, arguing that it aims to strip UNRWA of its diplomatic immunity and criminalize its activities, ultimately depriving Palestinians of vital services. Echoing similar concerns, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized in a statement that Israel, as the occupying power, must adhere to its international obligations and cease obstructing international organizations’ work.
The Foreign Ministry of Oman also voiced its opposition, warning about the adverse consequences of undermining UNRWA’s role in caring for over two million Palestinians living in dire conditions. The Oman statement underscored the importance of implementing UN resolutions to ensure the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The Arab Parliament issued a declaration noting that the Arab Observatory for Human Rights (AOFHR) had condemned the bill and urged international human rights organizations to prevent such classifications, highlighting that these actions could endanger the lives of millions of Palestinian refugees.
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Joseph Borrell, also criticized the bill, emphasizing UNRWA’s vital role in humanitarian operations across Gaza, the West Bank, and other regions. Borrell expressed concern over the Israeli Land Authority’s order for UNRWA to vacate its premises in East Jerusalem within 30 days.
Doctors Without Borders’ Secretary General, Christopher Lockyear, labeled the bill as “an outrageous attack on humanitarian assistance and an act of collective punishment against the Palestinian people,” urging Israel’s allies to oppose the move and ensure UNRWA’s ability to provide humanitarian aid. The bill follows allegations that some UNRWA staff members were involved in the October 7 Hamas offensive against Israel, which several countries, including the US and Canada, have designated as a terrorist organization.
Despite these allegations, the European Commission (EC) has increased its support for Palestinians, allocating an additional EUR 68 million for emergency aid, adding to the EUR 82 million already designated for UNRWA in 2024.