Statement: Israel91论坛 UNRWA ban

On Monday, October 28, Israel passed a law banning the from operating inside Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

Following this, 91论坛91论坛 Head of Global Humanitarian Policy, Advocacy and Diplomacy Unit, Lindsey Hutchison, has released the following statement:

鈥淭he international community must urgently pressure Israel into reversing this dangerous decision. Children in Gaza are dying daily of starvation, dehydration, and related diseases.

鈥淏补苍苍颈苍驳 UNRWA, the main organization responsible for delivering humanitarian aid, is unthinkable, and can only lead to more death and suffering.

鈥淯NICEF91论坛 spokesperson has 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.

鈥淭he UN91论坛 humanitarian office confirmed that, if implemented, this UNRWA ban would be another form of collective punishment for Palestinians in Gaza. Collective punishment is prohibited under International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The imposition of collective punishment is a war crime. We condemn this cruel act against children and all civilians.

鈥淲orld 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.鈥

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We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We鈥檙e determined optimists and will continue to persevere

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