Attachments
Today, the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) alongside 26 development, humanitarian and affiliated agencies have sent an open letter to Australian Parliamentarians seeking urgent leadership to ensure the future and security of the United Nations Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The letter highlights the grave threat posed by the recent passage of legislation in the Israeli Knesset that seeks to ban UNRWA, a move that would exacerbate an already devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.
“If UNRWA is forced to close, the consequences will be catastrophic. Healthcare will collapse, and millions will be left without access to food, clean water, or essential medical care, all while facing escalating violence and displacement,” said Naomi Brooks, ACFID’s Humanitarian and Public Engagement Lead.
The letter stresses the need for decisive action and unity to ensure UNRWA’s continued operations. Its closure would not only undermine critical services but also worsen the suffering of millions of Palestinians already living in dire conditions.
“UNRWA is the only agency with the ability to deliver lifesaving assistance across the entire Gaza Strip. Its closure would deepen the humanitarian crisis and leave millions of vulnerable people without support,” stated Ms. Brooks.
“Australia has a long history of supporting UNRWA, and it is essential that we continue to champion its work. We urge the Australian Parliament to unite at this critical moment and act to ensure UNRWA’s survival.”
U.N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that Israel’s ban on UNRWA, if implemented, would violate international law, the founding U.N Charter and a 1946 U.N convention on the diplomatic privileges and immunities granted to U.N operations.
“The Israeli Government’s decision to bar UNRWA from operating within Israel severely undermines the humanitarian response and capacity to carry out life-saving work within Gaza.” stated Ms. Brooks.
You can read the open letter here.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact ACFID Media at 0401 721 064 or at media@acfid.asn.au