The members of the Security Council stressed the vital role played by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees through its education, health, relief and basic social services programmes and emergency assistance in the occupied Palestinian territory, Jordan, Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic.

They stressed, in a statement issued today, Wednesday, that UNRWA remains the backbone of all humanitarian responses in Gaza, and stressed that no organization can replace or replace UNRWA's capacity and mandate to serve Palestinian refugees and civilians in urgent need of life-saving humanitarian assistance.

The members of the Security Council strongly cautioned against any attempts to dismantle or reduce UNRWA’s operations and mandate, recognizing that any interruption or suspension of its work would have serious humanitarian consequences for the millions of Palestine refugees who depend on the Agency’s services, as well as repercussions for the region.

The members of the Security Council expressed their grave concern at the legislation adopted by the Israeli Knesset, and urged the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations, respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and fulfil its responsibilities to allow and facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access of all kinds to and throughout the Gaza Strip, including the provision of essential services so desperately needed by the civilian population.

The members of the Security Council called on all parties to enable UNRWA to implement its mandate, as adopted by the General Assembly, in all areas of operation, with full respect for the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of United Nations and humanitarian facilities.

The members of the Security Council highlighted the findings of the independent review of the mechanisms and procedures to ensure UNRWA’s commitment to the principle of humanitarian neutrality, led by Catherine Colonna, and welcomed the commitment of the Secretary-General and the Agency to fully implement its recommendations and called for their expeditious implementation, in line with UNRWA’s commitment to the principle of neutrality.

They took note of the measures taken to terminate the employment of 9 UNRWA staff members following the attacks of 7 October 2023. They stressed the importance of taking timely measures to address any credible allegations and ensure accountability for any violations of the Agency’s policies relating to the principle of neutrality.

The members of the Security Council called on all parties to take the necessary steps to allow and facilitate humanitarian access to civilians in Gaza, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

The members of the Security Council expressed their appreciation for the work of the Agency’s staff, including under extremely difficult circumstances, in fulfilling the Agency’s mandate, stressed the importance of ensuring the continuity of UNRWA’s vital services to Palestine refugees, and acknowledged the efforts of Member States to enhance their support to UNRWA.