US voices 'deep concern' over Israeli move to ban UN Palestinian agency UNRWA

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US on Monday said it is "deeply concerned" by the proposed Israeli legislation to ban Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, expressing that the agency plays a "critical" role in delivering assistance to civilians in Gaza.

"Passage of this legislation could have implications under US law," State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said a press briefing.

Noting that UNRWA plays an important role providing services to Palestinians in the West Bank and throughout the region, Miller said the agency plays an "irreplaceable role" in Gaza, where they are on the front lines getting humanitarian assistance to the people.

"There's nobody that can replace them right now in the middle of the crisis," he added.

"We continue to urge the Government of Israel to pause the implementation of this legislation. We urge them not to pass it at all, and we will consider next steps based on what happens in the days," he added.

On the worsening humanitarian situation in northern Gaza, Miller said the food and water and medicine was not getting into people in the Jabalia refugee camp, adding: "We want to see that change."​​​​​​​