Russia has condemned Israel’s recent decision to prohibit the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating within its borders, asserting that this action violates international law. In a statement released by its Foreign Ministry, Russia emphasized that the new legislation not only contravenes international law, including resolutions from the UN General Assembly and the UN Charter, but also breaches the terms under which Israel was admitted to the United Nations.
According to the ministry, if this law is enacted, it would represent yet another instance of collective punishment directed at millions of Palestinians who depend on UNRWA for vital humanitarian assistance, healthcare, and social services. The ministry also highlighted the potential repercussions of this ban, noting that over 650,000 Palestinian children could be deprived of educational opportunities.
The statement drew attention to the escalating violence in the region, characterizing Gaza as a “war zone” marked by unprecedented civilian casualties and minimal access to humanitarian aid. It criticized Israel and the United States for justifying restrictions on UNRWA by alleging that some of its employees were involved in the Hamas attacks on October 7, but pointed out that Israel has not provided any evidence to substantiate these claims despite requests from the UN.
An independent review of UNRWA concluded that the agency has maintained its neutrality and found no violations of its operational mandate. Russia expressed support for the calls made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini for Israel to uphold its international responsibilities and refrain from implementing the ban.
Moscow reiterated its commitment to advocating for UNRWA’s mandate in both the UN Security Council and General Assembly, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the agency can continue its essential work for Palestinians living in the occupied territories and surrounding Arab countries.
On Monday, Israel’s Knesset passed legislation to prohibit UNRWA’s operations within its borders, which will affect the agency’s activities in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem within a 90-day period. Israel has accused UNRWA of promoting terrorism and inciting hatred, claims that the agency has categorically denied, affirming its neutral focus on providing support to refugees.
