On October 28, the Israeli Knesset voted to ban operations of the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This represents a devastating blow to the lives of the Palestinian population and will further worsen the livelihood prospects of the people of Gaza, and will also severely affect communities in the West Bank.
From Doctors Without Borders (MSF) we denounce this legislation, which represents an inhumane prohibition of vital humanitarian aid. The Knesset vote is pushing the Palestinians into an even deeper humanitarian crisis. It is imperative that the world acts to safeguard the fundamental rights of the Palestinian population.
Immediate international intervention is needed to pressure Israel to allow unhindered access to humanitarian aid, implement a ceasefire and end the current campaign of destruction in Gaza.
“UNRWA is a lifeline for Palestinians”says Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General of MSF. “If carried out, the ban on UNRWA activities would have catastrophic implications on the dire humanitarian situation of the Palestinian population living in Gaza, as well as in the West Bank, now and for generations to come. “We strongly condemn this decision, which is the culmination of a long campaign against the organization.”
File photo: March 2020. Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General of MSF on his visit to Gaza. @MSF
The newly voted legislation will make it almost impossible for UNRWA to work in Gaza or the West Bank. Coordination with Israeli authorities will be prevented and entry permits to either of the two occupied territories will be denied. UNRWA aid delivery to and within Gaza will essentially be blocked. UNRWA is responsible for almost all distribution of UN aid that reaches the Gaza Strip.
UNRWA is the largest provider of medical services in Gaza. More than half of Gazans depend on it for essential health services. Among them, the treatment of chronic diseases, maternal and child health and vaccinations. Every day, UNWRA health teams carry out more than 15,000 consultations in the Gaza Strip.
The ban on their activities threatens to create a huge gap in services within Gaza’s already badly broken medical system, directly and indirectly endangering the lives of Palestinians. Without urgent action, more people could die from preventable diseases and conditions related to displacement.
The impact of the UNRWA ban will extend beyond Gaza. Critical services, including refugee camp management, medical services, education and social programs in the West Bank are also at risk of being destabilized under this legislation. This legislation sets a serious precedent for other conflict situations where governments wish to eliminate an uncomfortable United Nations presence.
For months, international leaders and organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, have warned about the disastrous potential of these newly passed bills. However, Israel has chosen to press ahead with measures that will undermine vital assistance. Putting Palestinian lives in danger and intensifying the collective punishment they face.
This vote adds to the endless physical and bureaucratic impediments imposed by Israel to limit the amount of aid reaching Gaza. It blatantly contradicts Israel’s claims that it is facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
