UNRWA has expressed its concern about recent remarks made by Israeli mayor of Occupied Jerusalem on intents to end its operations and control its installations in the holy city.
“UNRWA conducts humanitarian operations in conformity with the UN Charter bilateral and multilateral agreements that continue in force and relevant General Assembly resolutions” the agency said in a press release on Friday.
“The Agency is specifically mandated by the UN General Assembly to deliver protection and assistance to Palestine refugees in the occupied Palestinian territory including east Jerusalem pending a resolution of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.”
UNRWA has continuously maintained operations in the occupied Palestinian territory including east Jerusalem since 1967 on the basis of a formal agreement with Israel which remains in force.
The agency underlined that it “is recognized for the important work it carries out in education health-care relief and social services in east Jerusalem” affirming that “it is determined to continue carrying out these services.”
‘Such messaging challenges the core principles of impartial and independent humanitarian action and does not reflect the robust and structured dialogue and interaction that UNRWA and the state of Israel have traditionally maintained.”
