The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the peak body for humanitarian agencies, unequivocally condemns the Israeli Knesset’s passing of a bill to ban United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).  

This legislation is a tremendous barrier to UNRWA’s humanitarian response in Gaza and the West Bank and will result in even further unbearable humanitarian consequences for Gazans.  

“ACFID strongly condemns the legislation passed by the Knesset which delegitimises the vital role of UNRWA and undermines the crucial, life-saving assistance UNRWA provides,” said Naomi Brooks, ACFID’s Humanitarian & Public Engagement Lead. 

“UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza. It’s unfathomable to imagine how Palestinians, in Gaza in particular, will be responding to this news. They know the vital role of UNRWA in being one of their final lifelines.” 

“Currently, UNRWA and its partners are vaccinating Gazans in a race against time to curtail a Polio outbreak. This response is near impossible without UNRWA. 

ACFID notes the concerns of the international community, including from the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom on this legislation. 

“But expressing grave concern is not enough. This bill undermines the international humanitarian operation in Gaza, where millions face dehydration, starvation and disease.  

“Australia must use all diplomatic tools available, including implementing targeted sanctions on those responsible for the ongoing siege in Gaza and for the denial of humanitarian assistance, and implement a complete arms embargo.”  

“ACFID continues to reiterate that all states, including Australia have an obligation to prevent breaches of international law including those occurring in Gaza: the denial of humanitarian assistance, starvation as a weapon of war, and the forcible transfer of civilians. 

“The Australian Government must be willing to urgently expend political capital to strengthen their words with action in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and across the region. Our government must show with meaningful actions that enough is enough.” 

ACFID continues to call for an immediate ceasefire, unrestrained humanitarian access, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the protection of civilians.   

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact ACFID Media at 0401 721 064 or at [email protected]