Endorsement of two anti-UNRWA bills by the Israeli Knesset
22.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002205/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Barry Andrews (Renew), Thijs Reuten (S&D), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew), Rima Hassan (The Left), Villy Søvndal (Verts/ALE), Marit Maij (S&D), Marc Botenga (The Left), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Billy Kelleher (Renew), Brando Benifei (S&D), Irena Joveva (Renew), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Kim Van Sparrentak (Verts/ALE), Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE), Leire Pajín (S&D), Michael McNamara (Renew), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Alice Kuhnke (Verts/ALE), Hana Jalloul Muro (S&D), Ville Niinistö (Verts/ALE), Per Clausen (The Left), Damien Carême (The Left), Pär Holmgren (Verts/ALE), Rasmus Nordqvist (Verts/ALE), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Diana Riba i Giner (Verts/ALE), Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Catarina Martins (The Left), Marie Toussaint (Verts/ALE), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE), Isabella Lövin (Verts/ALE), Anthony Smith (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D)
On 6 October 2024, the Israeli Knesset endorsed two bills revoking the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and banning the agency in the ‘sovereign territory of Israel’. If enacted, the bills would de jure end any possibility for UNRWA to operate in Gaza, and likely the West Bank. UNRWA’s current role, and the role it will have in the aftermath of the conflict, cannot be underestimated. It remains the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza and continues to provide essential services, including education and primary healthcare, to Palestinian refugees in the West Bank.
- 1.Has the Commission evaluated the operational and political impact that these laws would have if they were implemented? Which steps have been taken to prevent the adoption and implementation of these bills, in line with the European Council conclusions[1]?
- 2.Does the Commission agree that the bills are a violation of Israel’s legal obligations under Articles 2(5) and 105 of the UN Charter, the 1946 Convention on UN Privileges and Immunities and the obligations of the occupying power under international humanitarian law, among others?
- 3.Can the Commission reconfirm that it will uphold full political and financial support to UNRWA and that it considers this a key element in the EU strategy of contributing to the promotion of security, stability and development in the region?
Supporter[2]
Submitted: 22.10.2024