New York, October 31 (QNA) – The UN Security Council reaffirmed the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as the primary humanitarian support entity in Gaza, stressing that no organization can substitute its essential role. It cautioned that halting or interrupting UNRWA’s work would lead to severe humanitarian and regional impacts.
In a statement, Security Council members emphasized UNRWA’s critical role in delivering education, health, relief, and social services to Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the occupied Palestinian territory, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. They strongly opposed any attempts to undermine UNRWA’s mandate, noting that disruptions would have dire consequences for millions of refugees.
The council expressed grave concern over recent Israeli parliamentary actions and urged Israel to fulfill its international obligations, respect UNRWA’s operations, and ensure rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.
The members called on all parties to support UNRWA’s mission with full respect for humanitarian principles and international law, following Israeli legislation passed Monday banning UNRWA operations within the country and prohibiting contact with the agency