By james art Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin have voiced objections to Israel’s crackdown on the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA.
Leaders expressed concern about the consequences for maintaining an already limited flow of aid to besieged civilians in Gaza.
The Irish government also issued a joint statement with Spain, Norway and Slovenia condemning a vote in Israel’s Knesset parliament that would ban UNRWA from working in Israeli-controlled lands.
Tonight’s vote in Israel to ban UNRWA is catastrophic and shameful. It will go down in history as the moment Israel voted to cut off an indispensable humanitarian aid pipeline to a humanitarian disaster area.
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) October 28, 2024
Parliament also voted to sever official ties between Israel and the organization.
The moves come amid Israeli allegations that UNRWA has close ties to Hamas – allegations the agency strongly denies.
In response, Mr Harris condemned the UNRWA ban as “disastrous and shameful”.
“I strongly condemn the passage of legislation in the Israeli Knesset that prohibits contacts between the Israeli state and UNRWA,” he said.
“If implemented, it will make it impossible for UNRWA to fulfill its vital role in the region, including providing humanitarian aid to people in desperate need.”
“This violates Israel’s obligations under international law. UNRWA saves lives. If he cannot complete his mission, people will die.
“UNRWA works under a mandate given to it by the United Nations.
“All member states must condemn the legislation, call on Israel to repeal it immediately and redouble their support for UNRWA and the Palestinian people.”
In a Tanaiste social media post, Mr Martin expressed his condemnation.
“I strongly condemn the Israeli parliament’s approval of a law banning UNRWA from working in the occupied Palestinian territory,” he wrote.
“Such a move would be unacceptable and would have dire consequences for the Palestinians.” The international community must oppose this.”
This year, Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and Norway officially recognized Palestinian statehood.
I strongly condemn the Israeli parliament’s approval of a law banning UNRWA from working in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Such a move would be unacceptable and would have dire consequences for the Palestinians.
The international community must oppose this.
Joint Statement: pic.twitter.com/jvulIaop9l
— Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 28, 2024
In a joint statement on Monday night, the governments of the four European nations said: “The governments of Ireland, Norway, Slovenia and Spain condemn the Knesset’s approval of legislation to prevent UNRWA from operating in the occupied Palestinian territory.”
“UNRWA has a mandate from the UN General Assembly.
“The work of the Agency is essential and indispensable for millions of Palestinian refugees in the region, and especially in the current context in Gaza.
“The legislation approved by the Knesset sets a very serious precedent for the work of the United Nations and for all organizations of the multilateral system.
“Ireland, Norway, Slovenia and Spain will continue to work with donors and host countries to ensure the viability of UNRWA’s work and its humanitarian role.”