An Israeli bill, passed at first reading in July and presented this Monday, October 28, wants to ban “the activities of Unrwa”, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, “on Israeli territory”including in East Jerusalem, a sector of the holy city occupied and annexed by Israel since 1967.
As recalled byAgence France Presse, Israel has long been very critical of this agency and their relations have become bad since the start of the war in Gaza, with the government accusing some UNRWA employees of having participated in the Hamas attack in the south. of Israel. Presenting the text on Monday, MP Yuli Edelstein reaffirmed that there was “a deep link between the terrorist organization (Hamas) and Unrwa, and Israel cannot accept it”.
Outcry in Europe and the United States
This project provoked a strong reaction from Israel's Western allies. “We have made it clear to the Israeli government that we are deeply concerned about this proposed law (…) and we urge the Israeli government not to approve it”US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters.
“It is a matter of deep regret that the Israeli Parliament is considering ending UNRWA operations”for his part declared the head of British diplomacy, David Lammy.
The UN Security Council warned Israel on October 10 against passing a law that would ban UNRWA, the day after a similar warning launched by UN chief Antonio Guterres.
France
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