UAE: Obstructing UNRWA's work risks 2 million lives

The UAE reiterated its condemnation of Israel's decision to ban the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) on Wednesday, saying obstructing its work puts 2 million people in Gaza at further risk. 

During the UN General Assembly (UNGA) meeting on UNRWA, the UAE said it, "[reaffirms] its unwavering commitment to supporting UNRWA’s vital work."

The Gulf state called for unhindered access for UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies to deliver aid, and reiterated its calls for an immediate ceasefire. 

Speaking at the meeting, UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said, "The actions of Israeli forces are rendering the humanitarian response untenable."

"For the past year, UNRWA has been a lifeline for the people of Gaza," he said. 

Lazzarini also said, "A year of the most intense bombardment of a civilian population since World War Two and the civilian restriction of humanitarian aid have transformed Gaza into a dystopia."

He added, "The Knesset's legislation forbids contact between Israeli state officials and UNRWA representatives and prohibits UNRWA operations in what it calls the sovereign territory of the state of Israel. Its implementation will have disastrous consequences."

On October 28, the Israeli Knesset passed a law that bans UNRWA from operating in Israel and stops Israeli authorities from cooperating with the organisation, which provides aid and education services to millions of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.

Israel alleged 12 UNRWA staff members were involved in the October 7 Hamas attack, which killed over 1,000 people and claimed 250 hostages. Several Western states had suspended their funding to the organisation in response to the claims. 

An investigation by the UN Office of Oversight Services in August found nine staff members "may" have been involved in the attack, leading to their termination. 

Funding was reinstated by most countries between March and April, three months after Israel's allegations and before the UN completed its investigation. The US' funding remains suspended until at least March 2025. 

UNRWA was established by a UN resolution in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to refugees in its five areas of operation: Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.