The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has criticized the new Israeli legislation that prohibits the activities of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in Israel and the occupied territories. In a statement, Tedros described this decision as 'unacceptable' and warned that it would have devastating consequences for millions of Palestinians who rely on UNRWA aid.
The Knesset (Israeli Parliament) approved two laws that prevent UNRWA from operating within the sovereign territory of Israel, including East Jerusalem. The second law prohibits any contact between Israeli officials or public entities with UNRWA, designating it as a 'terrorist organization' and closing its access to the occupied Palestinian territories. These measures could result in the closure of UNRWA's office in East Jerusalem.
The UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, denounced that these laws are part of a campaign by Israel to discredit the organization. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed his deep concern and reminded Israel of its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law.
These decisions have generated a wave of criticism and concern from various international organizations. The closure of UNRWA's office in East Jerusalem has been the subject of violent Israeli protests since the Hamas attacks in October 2023. WHO and other entities have strongly condemned these laws, highlighting their devastating impact on the lives and health of Palestinian refugees.
