UNRWA confirms continued services in East Jerusalem and West Bank despite Israeli ban

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has confirmed that it continues its operations, including in territories occupied by Israel, despite being banned by the Israeli government.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, provided an update during a recent briefing, emphasizing that UNRWA remains active in the regions where it operates, Caliber.Az reports via international media.

“UNRWA informed us today that it continues to provide assistance and services in the communities where they operate,” Dujarric said. “UNRWA clinics in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are open, and humanitarian work in the Gaza Strip continues, including through the efforts of UNRWA.”

This statement comes after Israeli government spokesperson David Menser announced on January 29 that Israel would close all UNRWA offices within 48 hours, sever contacts with the agency’s representatives, and prohibit its activities on Israeli territory. On January 25, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Dani Danon, formally notified the UN Secretary-General that UNRWA should cease its operations in Israel by January 30.

The move follows legislation passed by the Knesset, Israel’s unicameral parliament, on October 28, 2024, which bans UNRWA’s activities within the country. The law, which passed with 92 votes in favour and 10 against, prohibits the agency from maintaining offices, providing services, or conducting any activities directly or indirectly within Israeli territory. 

The legislation was introduced in response to allegations that some UNRWA employees were involved in attacks against Israel by armed supporters of the Palestinian Hamas movement on October 7, 2023. Israel has repeatedly accused UNRWA staff of having links to Hamas's militant wing.

By Tamilla Hasanova