UN chief sends letter to Israeli premier over ban on Palestinian refugee agency

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, raising concerns over Israel’s recent move to ban the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

"We are in contact with Israeli authorities," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters during a press briefing, adding that Guterres had sent the letter "a few hours ago... outlining his concerns".

The letter, according to Dujarric, addresses issues related to international law raised by the new Israeli measure.

The letter came a day after the Israeli parliament passed a bill that would ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), from operating in the country. The legislation will take effect in 90 days.

The ban would affect UNRWA's work in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

"We're at an early stage. Obviously, if it is implemented, it is clear that it will have a devastating impact on the humanitarian situation of Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory," Dujarric cautioned.

When asked if Guterres tried to call Netanyahu again, Dujarric said: "At this point the communication is done in writing, because I think it is more precise".

"But obviously, if there's an opportunity to speak, they would speak," he added.

Guterres on Monday said that the implementation of the law "could have devastating consequences for Palestine refugees in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which is unacceptable."

"There is no alternative to UNRWA," Guterres said in a statement.