Gunilla Olsson

The vote by the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) against @UNRWA this evening is unprecedented and sets a dangerous precedent. It opposes the UN Charter and violates the State of Israel’s obligations under international law.  This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role towards providing human-development assistance and services to #Palestine Refugees. These bills will only deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in #Gaza where people have been going through more than a year of sheer hell. It ⁠will deprive over 650,000 girls & boys there from education, putting at risk an entire generation of children. These bills increase the suffering of the Palestinians & are nothing less than collective punishment. Putting an end to UNRWA & its services will not strip the Palestinians from their refugee status. That status is protected by another UN General Assembly resolution until a fair and lasting solution is found to the plight of the Palestinians. Failing to push back these bills will weaken our common multilateral mechanism established after World War 2. This should be a concern to all.

If implemented, the laws adopted today by the Knesset of Israel would likely prevent @UNRWA from continuing its essential work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with devastating consequences for Palestine refugees. I call on Israel to act consistently with its obligations under the Charter of the @UN & international law. National legislation cannot alter those obligations. I am bringing this matter to the attention of the UN General Assembly, and will keep the Assembly closely informed as the situation develops. There is no alternative to UNRWA.

UN SG @antonioguterres says there is no alternative to #UNRWA , following adoption by Israeli Knesset of laws on agency: un.org/sg/en/content/…

UN SG @antonioguterres says there is no alternative to #UNRWA , following adoption by Israeli Knesset of laws on agency: un.org/sg/en/content/…