The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is facing a “systematic campaign” by Israel aimed at undermining its role, a senior UNRWA official has warned.
Dr. Adnan Abu Hasna, UNRWA spokesperson, said Israel’s recent decision constitutes a “serious new blow” to the agency’s presence in occupied Jerusalem and is part of a sustained effort to disrupt its humanitarian services.
In a televised interview, Abu Hasna said Israel is not only engaging in disinformation and attempts to delegitimize UNRWA’s work but is also enacting laws and measures intended to prevent the agency from continuing its operations, particularly in East Jerusalem. He stressed that these actions carry profound humanitarian and political implications.
He noted that the Israeli decision includes the seizure of UNRWA property, including its headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood and the historic Qalandia Vocational Training Institute, which has served Palestinian communities for more than 70 years.
Abu Hasna also highlighted restrictions on the entry of international staff into East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, combined with complex legal hurdles based on legislation passed by the Knesset, which he said contravene Israel’s international obligations.
“These measures represent an unprecedented threat to UNRWA’s ability to provide education, health care, and other essential services to Palestinian refugees,” he said, calling for urgent international attention to safeguard the agency’s mandate.
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