Statement: Israel’s UNRWA ban

In response to Israel’s decision to ban the U.N. relief agency UNRWA from operating inside Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Plan International’s Head of Global Humanitarian Policy, Advocacy and Diplomacy Unit, Lindsey Hutchison says:

“The international community must urgently pressure Israel into reversing this dangerous decision by Israel’s Knesset. Gaza is already facing a man-made hunger emergency, with a real risk of famine NOW. Children are dying daily of starvation, dehydration, and related diseases. Banning UNRWA, the main organisation responsible for delivering humanitarian aid is unthinkable, and can only lead to more death and suffering. UNICEF’s spokesperson warned that this will lead to the collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza, and that a new way has been found to kill children. The UN’s humanitarian office confirmed if implemented, this ban of UNRWA would be another form of collective punishment for Palestinians in Gaza. Collective punishment under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is prohibited and the imposition of collective punishment is a war crime. We condemn this cruel act against children and all civilians.

“World leaders have a legal and moral duty to stop this horror now. There can be no excuses: preventing access for humanitarian aid and collective punishment are clear violations of international humanitarian law. UN member states must apply urgent political pressure to immediately end the violence and compel Israeli authorities to allow UNRWA to operate. The alternative is not an option.”