Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
A European statement issued in Brussels by the Foreign Policy Coordinator's Office said that the European Union has taken note of the Israeli legislation on UNRWA, which has been adopted. The European Union condemns any attempt to abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA or to obstruct its ability to implement its mandate.

If implemented, these laws will have far-reaching consequences, as they will halt all UNRWA operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, de facto prevent UNRWA's vital operations in Gaza, impede UNRWA's provision of health, education and social services in the West Bank, and revoke UNRWA's diplomatic privileges and immunities in Israel.

It is essential that UNRWA be able to continue to carry out its crucial work in line with its mandate adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1949 and renewed since then.

UNRWA provides essential services to millions of people in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and throughout the region, including Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. The EU underlines the crucial role played by UNRWA in the humanitarian response to Palestine refugees in the region, providing life-saving support to a population facing critical and massive needs. UNRWA also plays a key role in providing education and health services. The EU is a strong supporter of the United Nations and the rules-based multilateral international system of which UNRWA is a part. UN agencies uphold and implement the letter and spirit of the UN Charter, and play a crucial role in maintaining global security. The EU is committed to continuing its support to the Agency, closely monitoring and assessing the implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Review Group’s report following the allegations against some UNRWA staff, and looks forward to further decisive action by the UN to ensure impartiality and accountability and to strengthen oversight and oversight in order to prevent further situations. The statement concluded by saying that “as long as there is no sustainable solution to the conflict, UNRWA’s mandate will remain vital.”