In response to the Israeli Parliament’s decision to classify the United Nations Palestine Refugee Agency (UNRWA) as a terrorist group, the European Union has expressed deep concern. High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, condemned any attempt to label a UN agency as a terrorist organization. He emphasized that UNRWA plays a crucial role in humanitarian response in Gaza and is the largest donor to the agency. Borrell urged Israeli authorities to allow UNRWA to continue its work in accordance with its mandate.
Borrell reiterated the EU’s firm support for the United Nations and a rules-based multilateral global system, of which UNRWA is a part. He also expressed concern about the Israeli Territorial Authority’s order for UNRWA to vacate its premises in East Jerusalem. The bill designating UNRWA as a terrorist group was passed by Israel after increased criticism from Israel of the agency. Israel has called for the end of UNRWA’s mandate and suggested other UN agencies and NGOs replace its work, which has been deemed unviable by the United Nations due to its importance in assisting Palestinians.
UNRWA was established in 1950 following the creation of Israel and has continued its operations to assist Palestinian refugees in the region. Borrell’s statements address an increasingly tense situation between Israel and UNRWA, with the EU standing firmly behind UNRWA’s humanitarian efforts amidst political challenges.
