Anita Ogona
Israel has officially notified the United Nations of its decision to terminate the cooperation agreement with the primary UN agency assisting Palestinians in the Middle East, including war-torn Gaza.
Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon announced on the social media platform X that he has informed UN Secretary General António Guterres of the “termination of cooperation” with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
“In spite of the overwhelming evidence we submitted to the UN that substantiate Hamas’ infiltration of UNRWA, the UN did nothing to rectify the situation,” Danon said in a post which also carried the letter, dated Sunday, sent by the Israeli Foreign Ministry to Guterres.
“The State of Israel will continue to cooperate with humanitarian organisations but not with organisations that promote terrorism against us.”
On Oct. 28, the Israeli parliament voted to ban UNRWA, the main humanitarian aid provider in the Gaza Strip.
The letter read: “the legislation will enter into effect following a three-month period.
“During this time, and thereafter, Israel will continue to work with international partners, including other United Nations agencies, to ensure the facilitation of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza in a way that does not undermine Israel’s security.”
Israel accuses the agency of having been infiltrated by the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas and says several UNRWA employees were involved in the attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the conflict in Gaza.
“The State of Israel will continue to cooperate with humanitarian organisations but not with organisations that promote terrorism against us,” Danon said.
The UN Security Council had previously issued a unanimous statement declaring that any interruption or suspension of UNRWA’s work would have serious humanitarian consequences for millions of Palestinian refugees.
“The allegations against UNRWA staff earlier this year were fully investigated,” UK Ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward said.
“There is no justification for cutting off ties with UNRWA.
“Israel must abide by its obligations and ensure UNRWA can continue its lifesaving work,” she said.
The Israeli parliament approved controversial bills restricting UNRWA operations on Israeli territory.
The move risks preventing the agency from working in the Palestinian Territories too, as Israel controls the border crossings.
The move caused international concern for the already-dire humanitarian situation of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The UN Security Council had called on Israel to reverse its decision.
