On October 12, 2024, in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged Israeli authorities to ensure that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) can continue its "crucial" operations in the region. He warned of the "disastrous" consequences if the agency's activities were suspended.
Borrell expressed deep concern over a proposed law currently debated in the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, which could lead to the cessation of UNRWA's services. The Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee approved this bill on October 6, 2024.
Should the law pass, Borrell stated, it would have "devastating consequences," hindering UNRWA's ability to provide essential services and protection to Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. He emphasized that the EU calls on Israeli authorities to allow UNRWA to continue its vital work.
Israel has claimed that a significant number of UNRWA workers are affiliated with terrorist organizations; however, an external investigation found insufficient evidence for these claims. The EU's statement highlighted that the final adoption of the law would revoke the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA, halt all UNRWA operations in Israel and East Jerusalem, and severely disrupt vital services in Gaza and the West Bank.
UNRWA provides essential services to millions across Gaza, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and throughout the region, including Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Borrell reiterated that the agency is a pillar of regional stability and plays a critical role in creating conditions for a credible path toward a two-state solution.
For this reason, he affirmed the EU's commitment to continue supporting UNRWA and closely monitoring the implementation of recommendations from the Independent Review Group to ensure neutrality, accountability, and enhanced oversight of the agency's operations.