UNRWA

UN concerned about Israeli attacks on UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem

The United Nations says Israel's repeated attacks on UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem is a clear violation of its obligations under international law. In the latest incident, Israeli police raided several UNRWA schools this week affecting some 600 students. Earlier this year, Israel enacted a law passed by its parliament to ban the UN agency, claiming employees of the agency were involved in the October 7, 2023 attacks. Jody Jacobs […]

20 February, 2025 46

World

US executive orders to impact United Nations work

The UN Human Rights Council meeting on the human rights situation in Ukraine The White House has issued new executive orders that will further affect the cooperative and multilateral operations of the United Nations. These moves come just two weeks after the United States declared its withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO). US withdraws from UN Agencies President Trump’s directive, issued on Tuesday, confirms that the United States will […]

6 February, 2025 37

World

Israel insists laws to prevent UNRWA from operating will go ahead

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations insists that laws to prohibit UNRWA from operating in Israel will come into effect in 48 hours. Danny Danon told a UN Security Council meeting on Friday that his country's plans to go ahead with its decision despite opposition from the world body and other member states. Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations in New York.

29 January, 2025 53

World

UNRWA suspends aid deliveries to Gaza

The United Nation’s agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, has suspended aid deliveries through Kerem Shalom, the main crossing point for humanitarian aid into Gaza. On Saturday armed gangs attacked a humanitarian convoy. Unrwa head, Philippe Lazzarini, says the delivery of humanitarian aid must never be dangerous or turn into an ordeal. He has called on Israel to ensure aid flows into Gaza safely.

2 December, 2024 23

World

UNRWA Chief says agency facing its ‘darkest day

The UN's aid agency in Gaza is facing its '"darkest hour", according to its top official. Philippe Lazzarini says the situation in the strip has become "dystopian", and urged member states to increase spending on UNRWA. Sally Patterson reports from New York, where the United Nations is headquartered.

15 November, 2024 56

World

UN Security Council members urge Israel to rescind its banning of UNRWA

The United Nations Security Council in a statement on Wednesday strongly warned against any attempts to dismantle UNRWA's operations and mandate. This follows the passing of a bill on Monday by the Israeli parliament banning the UN agency from operating in Israel. There has been widespread criticism of this move which could impact the lives of millions of Palestineans. Jody Jacobs has more from the United Nations in New […]

31 October, 2024 28

World

US and UK condemn Israel’s move to ban the UN refugee agency

Israel's allies have condemned a vote by the Israeli parliament to ban the UN's Palestinian refugee agency from operating in the country. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says Britain is gravely concerned by the development while US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says Israel should not move ahead with the ban.

29 October, 2024 33

World

The UN says Israel’s banning of UNRWA is “outrageous”

The United Nations has warned that the law passed by the Israeli Parliament on Monday banning UNRWA violates the UN charter and Israel's obligations under international law. Israel's parliament approved the controversial bill, following allegations that some of UNRWA's staff members participated in the October 7th attacks last year. Jody Jacobs has more from the United Nations in New York.

29 October, 2024 92

World

UN Chief Expresses Concern Over Israeli Legislation Targeting UN Relief Agency

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed serious concerns to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding draft legislation that could obstruct the UN Relief and Works Agency in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Israeli Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee recently approved two bills designed to limit UNRWA's operations and privileges within Israel. Guterres cautioned that these measures would impede efforts to alleviate suffering and decrease tensions in Gaza.

9 October, 2024 29