Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, and a key member of The Elders {https://theelders.org/}, an independent thinktank and group of world leaders that formed at the beginning of the 21st century in order to address global human rights issues and abuses, Condemns the Knesset’s legislation that endangers UNRWA’s {The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine} operations, calling it a breach of the UN Charter and urging action to protect Gaza’s civilians.
“The Elders condemn in the strongest terms the passing of legislation by the Knesset which if implemented will effectively collapse UNRWA’s operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with devastating consequences for Palestinian civilians in Gaza already being subjected to bombardment, displacement and starvation. Declaring UNRWA a terrorist organisation and revoking UNRWA’s immunities and privileges is a clear breach of the UN Charter. We welcome the strong statements by several world leaders criticising this legislation, which would only further division and extremism and is not in Israel’s long-term security interests.
The UN is now under an unprecedented level of attack by the Government of Israel. The recent direct attacks by Israel Defense Forces on UNIFIL positions in Lebanon violate International Humanitarian Law. The Israeli Government has also banned the UN Secretary-General from entering the country. The UN Security Council and General Assembly must respond decisively and show their collective resolve to defend and protect the UN. Failure to do so will lead to further damage to the common values and UN system on which the protection of civilians and peace and security depend across the world.”
