The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) strongly condemns and categorically rejects the Israeli Knesset’s legislation that bans the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This decision is considered a dangerous precedent that will have catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinian refugees who rely on UNRWA's essential services, especially in health and education.
ICHR emphasizes the illegality of these Israeli decisions and actions, considering them a blatant attack on United Nations institutions and their charter, as well as a clear violation of international law, norms, and treaties, including the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. It also contradicts UN General Assembly resolutions, particularly Resolution 302 of 1949, which established UNRWA in response to the Palestinian refugee crisis, mandating the agency to provide assistance and protection. This resolution signifies the international community's commitment to the Palestinian refugee issue after failing to implement Resolution 194, which guarantees their right to return.
The Israeli decision constitutes an open violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2730 of 2024, which obligates the occupying state to respect and protect UN institutions and humanitarian workers.
ICHR warns of the legal, political, and humanitarian risks and consequences of the occupation's actions that threaten the entire issue, as these efforts demonstrate a desire by Israel “ the occupying power” to undermine and dismantle UNRWA at a time when Palestinians are in dire need of this international organization’s support, especially in Gaza, where over 65% of the population depends on UNRWA’s health and education services, and the majority rely on humanitarian aid amidst the genocide facing Gaza. This decision threatens the continuity of vital services provided by UNRWA, the largest and most capable humanitarian body to receive and distribute aid in Gaza.
ICHR asserts that there is no alternative to UNRWA, both in terms of its mandate and the services it provides and it warns against any attempt to transfer or distribute its tasks and authorities to other entities. It calls upon UN member states to recognize the long-term consequences of these decisions on United Nations institutions.
Accordingly, ICHR calls on countries worldwide to firmly reject this decision and take necessary measures to halt it, fulfilling their legal and moral responsibilities toward Palestinian refugees and the residents of Gaza, who suffer from the policies of genocide, starvation, and humiliation practiced by the Israeli Occupation. It also calls on member states to defend UNRWA, providing political, legal, and financial support to it and all UN agencies working in Palestine, and to offer financial support to ensure the continuation of its work, standing firmly against Israeli decisions and actions targeting it.