EU 'deeply concerned' over discussions in Israel about possible measures against UNRWA

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) — The EU on Friday voiced "deep concern" over ongoing debate in Israel whether to label the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, or UNRWA, as a terrorist organization.

"The European Union is deeply concerned about discussions in the Israeli Knesset on designating UNRWA as a terrorist organisation, and removing its staff’s immunities and privileges," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement.

The statement also noted concern over an order by the Israeli Land Authority for UNRWA to "vacate its East Jerusalem premises within the next 30 days."

"The EU condemns any attempts to label a UN agency as a terrorist organisation," said the statement, adding that UNRWA is "crucial and irreplaceable" in the humanitarian response in Gaza.

The bloc also recalled that it was the agency's biggest donor and a "strong supporter."

"We urge the Israeli authorities to allow UNRWA to continue carrying out its crucial work in line with its mandate," the EU said.

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on Gaza since an attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

More than 36,200 Palestinians have since been killed in Gaza, the vast majority being women and children, and nearly 81,800 others injured, according to local health authorities.

Nearly eight months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which in its latest ruling ordered it to immediately halt its operation in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.