Borrell Warns Of "Disaster" For Refugees If Israel Bans UNRWA

Since 1949, UNRWA has been the main organization responsible for delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians in occupied territories and providing services for Palestinian refugees in other countries.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell expressed deep concern over the potential impact on Gaza's residents if the Knesset approves the draft legislation. I Photo: UNRWA Facebook

The European Union (EU) has warned of "disastrous consequences" if Israel's parliament passes a bill that would outlaw the UN agency for Palestinian refugees from operating in Israel, Euronews reported.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell expressed deep concern over the potential impact on Gaza's residents if the Knesset approves the draft legislation.

Borrell urged Israeli authorities to allow the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to continue its vital work in line with its UN General Assembly (UNGA) mandate.

UNRWA was established in 1949 after Israeli militias expelled 700,000 Palestinians from their homes following the massacres of thousands in 1948. He said UNRWA provides essential services to millions in Gaza, the West Bank—including East Jerusalem—and across the region, including Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.