Thank you Commissioner-General for your presentation,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families and loved ones of UNRWA staff that have lost their lives in the service of others. Civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected. International law must be respected. Always. Everywhere.
Once again, we see efforts to undermine the foundation for a two-state solution and diminish hopes for a long-term peaceful resolution to the conflict. The laws adopted by the Knesset, if implemented, would have devastating consequences. They are aimed at UNRWA’s ability to perform its core duties, including our shared commitment to Palestine refugees until a political solution is found. If implemented, we would see a very dangerous precedent for the UN and the multilateral system as a whole.
The international community has a responsibility. UNRWA is mandated by the UN General Assembly, and the General Assembly should respond. On behalf of a group of concerned member states, Norway has taken steps to initiate a resolution before the Assembly, requesting the ICJ to provide an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations in relation to the activities of the UN and other international organisations and third states, that provide humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian population. We urge all countries to support this initiative.
President,
UNRWA has provided essential services to Palestine refugees for decades. In Gaza, in the West Bank and beyond. It provides food, protection, shelter, health care and, not least, education for millions of children. UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza. No other organization can assume its functions. Dismantling UNRWA will dramatically worsen the already critical humanitarian situation in Gaza and cause greater despair and instability in the entire region.
Much will depend on the steps that the Government of Israel now chooses to take. We urge the Government of Israel to listen to our words of caution and deep concerns – as Norway and the international community have listened to and investigated Israel’s own concern about the alleged UNRWA-staff’s wrongdoings. We urge Israel to ensure that human rights, justice, and peace remain at the forefront of any legal framework and that all actions taken respect the dignity and rights of all people in the region. This includes ensuring that a significant increase in humanitarian aid reaches all parts of Gaza and allowing UNRWA to fulfill its mandate.
I thank you.