Nationalist MEPs have voted down a proposed European Parliament debate on Israel’s ban of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This move has sparked controversy, as many argue that the ban will have devastating consequences for Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA provides critical assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees, offering education, healthcare, and social services. The agency’s work is seen as essential in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly 2 million displaced Palestinians face severe shortages of food, water, and medicine.
Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, recently passed bills banning UNRWA from operating in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The Knesset also designated UNRWA a terrorist organization, cutting all ties with the agency.³ The international community, including the United Nations, has condemned Israel’s decision, warning of its potentially disastrous consequences.
The European Parliament’s failure to debate this critical issue has raised concerns about the EU’s commitment to promoting human rights and supporting vulnerable populations. As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, it remains to be seen how the EU will respond to the growing humanitarian crisis and Israel’s ban on UNRWA.
