On January 29, 2025, the United Nations Security Council convened an open session to discuss the situation in the Middle East, focusing on the Palestinian issue and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The session was initiated at the request of Algeria.
Algeria's call for the meeting followed the enactment of Israeli legislation that prohibits UNRWA's operations, set to take effect on January 30, 2025. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warned of catastrophic consequences if the law is fully implemented, emphasizing the risks to humanitarian efforts and the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The legislation also requires UNRWA to evacuate its facilities in East Jerusalem, raising concerns within the UN regarding potential expansion of Israeli settlements in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.
Most Security Council members, including Greece, expressed support for UNRWA and underscored its critical role. Lazzarini informed the Council that UNRWA's operations in the occupied Palestinian territories would cease within two days due to the new legislation. He stated that full enforcement of the Knesset law would undermine the UN's ability to provide humanitarian assistance at a time when it needs to increase significantly.
Lazzarini noted that the Knesset legislation disregards Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, as well as International Court decisions. He urged Council members to resist the law's implementation and to ensure that a financial crisis does not abruptly end UNRWA's lifesaving work.
Greece reiterated its unwavering support for UNRWA, highlighting the agency's vital humanitarian work in Gaza amid ongoing devastation. Greek Permanent Representative Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris expressed deep concern over the continuing difficulties in Gaza, stating that UNRWA's role is indispensable and must not be undermined.
Greece recently renewed its voluntary contribution to UNRWA and voted in favor of a related General Assembly resolution on December 11, 2024. Sekeris emphasized the need to protect UNRWA personnel, insisting that humanitarian workers must be safeguarded at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Ambassador Sekeris welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement as a unique opportunity to replace despair with hope. However, he warned that rebuilding Gaza requires UNRWA's expertise. He called for the international community to maintain its commitment to supporting UNRWA, asserting that the agency has the power to protect the basic rights of thousands, including children in Gaza.
Israeli Permanent Representative Ambassador Danny Danon informed the Security Council that Israel would cease cooperation with UNRWA within 48 hours, stating that the agency must stop its activities and evacuate all facilities in Jerusalem. He clarified that the legislation prohibits UNRWA from operating within Israel's sovereign territory and forbids any contact between Israeli authorities and UNRWA.
Danon reiterated that the decision follows years of efforts to address Hamas's infiltration into UNRWA, characterizing the agency's performance as a failure both morally and professionally.